PCB Chief Naqvi Demands Immediate Removal of Match Referee Andy Pycroft After India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

PCB Chief Naqvi Demands Immediate Removal of Match Referee Andy Pycroft After India-Pakistan Asia Cup Clash

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the “immediate removal” of match referee Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025, following Pakistan’s defeat to India in a tense group-stage clash in Dubai.

Naqvi, who also serves as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, escalated the issue just a day after the PCB accused Pycroft of requesting the captains not to shake hands at the toss, in what is typically a standard pre-match courtesy.

“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,” Naqvi stated on social media. “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

No Handshakes, Rising Tensions

The controversy began on Sunday evening, when the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan match concluded with a seven-wicket win for India. According to the PCB, the usual tradition of captains shaking hands at the toss was allegedly skipped on Pycroft’s instruction, leading to frustration within the Pakistan camp.

Tensions continued post-match as the Indian team and support staff did not greet or engage with their Pakistani counterparts — a custom often observed even in high-pressure matches. India captain Suryakumar Yadav later remarked that the Indian government and the BCCI were aligned in their stance on limiting interactions with Pakistan.

Pakistan captain Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation, and head coach Mike Hesson labelled India’s conduct as “disappointing” during a press conference.

ICC Yet to Respond

While the Asia Cup is officially an ACC event, match officials, including referees and umpires, are appointed by the ICC. As such, any decision to withdraw Pycroft would require ICC intervention, although the BCCI, as the tournament hosts, could also have influence over proceedings.

ESPNcricinfo has reached out to the ICC for confirmation on whether Pycroft indeed instructed the captains not to shake hands. No formal response has been received as of now.

Politics Overshadowing Cricket

This latest development adds to a growing list of political tensions spilling onto the cricket field between India and Pakistan. Following the match, Naqvi had already issued a statement accusing India of “dragging politics into the game” and displaying a “lack of sportsmanship.” In response, Suryakumar Yadav noted that “some things in life are ahead of sportsmanship.”

The Dubai fixture was the first encounter between India and Pakistan since cross-border hostilities escalated in April 2025. The match itself was under a cloud of uncertainty for months, with several Indian politicians and stakeholders calling for a boycott. The Indian government later clarified its position, permitting multilateral matches involving Pakistan but continuing to refuse bilateral engagements.

More Clashes to Come?

Sunday’s fixture may only be the first of multiple India-Pakistan clashes in this tournament. Should Pakistan defeat the UAE in their final group match, they will qualify for the Super Four, where a rematch against India is scheduled for September 21, once again in Dubai.

As political tensions simmer and off-field controversies mount, the ACC, ICC, and tournament hosts BCCI now face increased scrutiny over officiating standards and the broader spirit of cricket in one of the sport's fiercest rivalries.

Brief Summary:

  • PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi demands removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.

  • PCB alleges Pycroft instructed captains not to shake hands at toss.

  • India chose not to engage with Pakistan players post-match.

  • ICC match officials' conduct now under investigation.

  • Next potential India vs Pakistan match on September 21 in Super Four.