Ramiz Raja launches scathing attack on Andy Pycroft, calls him Team India’s favourite

Ex-Pakistan batter Ramiz Raja lambasted match referee Andy Pycroft. The senior official has been in the news since the India vs Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, which the Men in Blue won by 7 wickets. The PCB accused Pycroft of stopping India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his counterpart Salman Agha from shaking hands after the toss. Pakistan lodged a complaint demanding Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Continental Cup, but their request was declined.

On Wednesday, Pakistan refused to play against the UAE and told players to stay in the hotel. However, PCB allowed the match to go on after Pycroft apologised to the Pakistan team manager and captain.

“Andy Pycroft is the favourite of the Indians. He is a permanent fixture in Team India’s matches and has been a part of 90 Indian games. This is one-sided and shouldn’t be allowed. This is a neutral platform, but I hope better sense prevails,” Ramiz Raja said. “I feel that he was fixed there,” Ramiz Raja added.

Pakistan have qualified for the Super Four stages and will play against the Indian team on September 21. They defeated Oman and the UAE to make it to the next round in the Continental Cup.