PCB Issues Strong Warning Over Referee’s Conduct

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has raised a serious objection to the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup 2025. The dispute originates from the India–Pakistan clash in Dubai, where players from the two sides refrained from the customary handshake at the toss and after the match.

According to the PCB, Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands, which they believe went beyond his authority. By intervening in such a manner, the board argues, he not only violated the Spirit of Cricket but also showed bias in handling a sensitive situation.

The PCB has formally lodged a complaint with the ICC, citing breaches of the ICC Code of Conduct as well as the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket laws. They have demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from the panel of referees for the tournament, insisting that impartiality is crucial in high-stakes matches, especially when India and Pakistan are involved.

Threat of Boycott Looms Large

In a strongly worded warning, the PCB made it clear that if their demand is not met, Pakistan could consider boycotting upcoming fixtures. The immediate repercussion would be a potential withdrawal from their next scheduled match against the UAE. Furthermore, the board has gone as far as threatening to pull the team out of the Asia Cup 2025 altogether if the ICC fails to take swift corrective action.

This escalation highlights the fragile political and sporting dynamics between India and Pakistan. The PCB feels that their players were left embarrassed on the global stage after Indian players refused to shake hands post-match, leaving the Pakistan team and captain waiting. In protest, Pakistan’s skipper chose to skip the post-match presentation ceremony, which further fueled the controversy.

ICC Faces Tough Call Amid Tensions

The ICC now finds itself in a difficult position, as it must balance fair play with tournament stability. Any decision against Pycroft could set a precedent that match referees must tread very carefully when dealing with culturally or politically sensitive contests. On the other hand, ignoring the PCB’s concerns risks Pakistan walking away from one of the biggest cricket events on the calendar, potentially destabilizing the Asia Cup.

As matters stand, the PCB’s warning has cast a shadow over the rest of the competition. With tensions already high after the India–Pakistan clash, the ICC will need to act swiftly and decisively to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-blown boycott that could damage the credibility of the tournament.