ICC Rejects PCB's Request to Remove Pycroft, Upholds Match Referee's Integrity in Asia Cup Handshake Incident

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has categorically told the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it cannot remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel of match referees for the Asia Cup. It has been learnt that the ICC communique to the PCB emphasised that there was no wrongdoing on the part of the match referee.

The ICC communique noted that it had conducted its own inquiry and concluded that Pycroft had actually helped prevent an embarrassment for both captains by discreetly advising Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha to avoid handshakes at the toss. It also stressed that Pycroft had not violated any match protocols.

The ICC conceded that the PCB was well within its right to complain but the cricket governing body conducted an enquiry and found no wrongdoing or misconduct by the match referee. It has also been the ICC's contention that the appointment of match officials is a centralised ICC decision and it cannot be influenced by considerations of any member board.

It is clear that the ICC was not willing to bend to the pressure tactics of the PCB which has also been told that this would set a dangerous precedent for the future.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team left their hotel late ahead of their match against the UAE, leading to a delay in the start of play. They were asked to stay back before Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, revealed on social media that the board instructed the team to depart for the stadium and take part in the match.