ICC Rejects Pakistan Protest Over Andy Pycroft in Asia Cup Controversy

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has reportedly taken a clear position regarding Pakistan’s protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, who has become the center of the ongoing handshake controversy between Pakistan and India during their Asia Cup encounter.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had allegedly warned that it might boycott the rest of the Asia Cup if Pycroft, who hails from Zimbabwe, was not removed from his duties. However, the ICC has reportedly turned down Pakistan’s request. Instead, the ICC has asked the PCB to take a softer approach and explore a middle ground to avoid a complete breakdown of the tournament.

Insiders reveal that the PCB is not ready to compromise. Officials have made it very clear that the Pakistani team will not step onto the field for their remaining matches unless Pycroft is replaced. In response, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has stepped in, holding emergency talks in an effort to calm tensions. Reports suggest the ACC has shared several proposals with the PCB, including the idea of appointing former West Indies cricketer Richie Richardson as the match referee for Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures.

Despite these attempts at negotiation, sources confirm that the PCB is sticking firmly to its stance. The board believes the issue is not just about one incident but about fair treatment and respect for its players.

The ACC is now under growing pressure to resolve the matter quickly. The standoff is threatening to overshadow the entire Asia Cup and could damage the reputation of the tournament if a resolution is not found soon. Behind the scenes, intense discussions are taking place to find a formula that will prevent Pakistan’s boycott and at the same time maintain the credibility of the competition.

The controversy began after the Pakistan players waited for the usual post-match handshake at the end of their match against India. Instead of joining them, the Indian players walked straight to their dressing room after their seven-wicket victory. This act, reportedly carried out with the approval of match referee Andy Pycroft, deeply angered the Pakistan camp. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, along with team officials, raised strong objections and filed official complaints with both the ICC and the ACC.

Now, with the ICC refusing to remove Pycroft, the responsibility has shifted to the ACC. The council must find a solution that respects Pakistan’s concerns while also ensuring the smooth continuation of the Asia Cup. Cricket fans around the world are waiting anxiously for the final decision, which is expected very soon.

Pakistan is set to play its last Group A match against the UAE tomorrow. However, whether the game will actually go ahead depends entirely on the outcome of these tense negotiations.

READ MORE: Pakistan Threatens to Boycott Asia Cup Over Handshake Controversy