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PCB writes to ICC again, makes another demand ahead of Asia Cup clash against UAE

Sports Tak

Sports Tak

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PCB writes to ICC again, makes another demand ahead of Asia Cup clash against UAE
Pakistan's captain Salman Agha (R) and teammate Abrar Ahmed (L) attend a practice session at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy in Dubai on September 16, 2025

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PCB has written a letter to ICC again

PCB do not want Andy Pycroft to be the match referee in their clash against UAE

Ever since the 'handshake controversy' took place in the Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan, match referee Andy Pycroft has beeen in the headlines. It all started after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint to ICC against Pycroft, alleging that he told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to not shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the match.

The PCB had earlier written to the ICC, demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup, but the global body had refused to accept the cricketing board's demands. However, Sports Tak has now learned that PCB has written to ICC again regarding the matter and have made it clear that they do not want Pycroft as the match referee for their clash against UAE on September 17. Richie Richardson is present in Dubai and is likely to be the match referee for the upcoming game.

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Though the match is likely to go ahead as planned, there are still some uncertainties regarding it. The ball is now in ICC's court as they will have to choose the person who will be the match referee in the clash between Pakistan and UAE.

Meanwhile, PCB were quite unhappy with Pycroft for allegedly telling Agha to not shake hands with Suryakumar, who walked off the field alongside Shivam Dube after scoring the winning runs, No customany handshake took place betweeen the teams and this left PCB agitated. The cricket board then wrote to ICC and demanded Pycroft to be removed from Asia Cup. Here is what was written in the letter -

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"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," PCB wrote in its letter to the ICC.

Must-win match for Pakistan

On the other hand, the match against UAE is a must-win game for Pakistan as a defeat would see them get knocked out of the tournament. The Men in Green have a great record against UAE when it comes to the shortest format as they have won all the three matches that have been played between the two teams. If Pakistan do win against UAE then they will face arch-rivals India in the Super 4 stage on September 21.