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Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has defended match referee Andy Pycroft, criticising Pakistan for creating unnecessary controversy over the handshake issue after India's Asia Cup win. Ashwin highlighted that India had informed the referee in advance about their decision to avoid handshakes, accusing Pakistan of unfairly targeting Pycroft and demanding his removal.

Despite recent controversies and objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board regarding Andy Pycroft's conduct, the ICC has appointed him as the match referee for the crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super 4s match between India and Pakistan. This decision follows PCB's allegations and a subsequent threat to withdraw from the tournament, which was later resolved through negotiations.

A heated dispute has erupted between the PCB and ICC over alleged protocol breaches during a recent Dubai match. The controversy centers on the PCB media manager's unauthorized mobile phone use in the PMOA, a violation of anti-corruption guidelines. While the PCB defends its position, ICC regulations strictly prohibit such usage, escalating tensions further as the Asia Cup clash approaches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to the ICC's concerns regarding potential PMOA violations during a recent match. The PCB defended its media manager's actions, claiming authorised access and adherence to ICC protocols, while the ICC raised objections to filming a sensitive meeting and alleged blackmail. The situation remains tense, potentially leading to further action from the ICC.

Mohammad Yousuf, the former Pakistani batter, sparked controversy by using disrespectful language towards India's Suryakumar Yadav during a panel discussion. He also accused the Indian cricket board of exerting undue influence, citing the Asia Cup handshake incident. The ICC rejected PCB's demand to remove the match referee, further fuelling the tensions after India's victory.

The ICC rejected PCB's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup after Pakistan alleged he instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India's captain. The ICC clarified that ACC officials informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.

Pakistan Cricket Board is in a standoff with the International Cricket Council. This follows a handshake controversy with the Indian team. PCB threatens to boycott their Asia Cup match against UAE. They demand the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. If Pakistan withdraws, they will be eliminated. India has already qualified for the Super 4s.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan is now embroiled in controversy as the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, skipped the customary post-match handshake, citing directives from the government and BCCI. This action, potentially violating the ICC's Spirit of Cricket, drew criticism from Pakistan's coach, leading to a formal protest.

The ICC has announced a massive 297% increase in prize money for the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, totaling $13.88 million. This surpasses the 2023 Men's World Cup payout, signaling a major step towards gender pay parity. Winners will receive $4.48 million, a 239% jump from 2022.

The ICC has shifted the venue for the Women's Cricket World Cup, replacing Bengaluru with Navi Mumbai, which will now host up to five matches, including a semi-final and potentially the final. The tournament will span five venues across India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

South Africa's ODI series against Australia began with a victory overshadowed by concerns regarding Prenelan Subrayen's bowling action. The off-spinner, making his debut, was reported for a suspect action and will undergo assessment. This setback impacted South Africa's team balance, especially with Kagiso Rabada's injury.

Ravi Shastri advocates for England as the ideal venue for the World Test Championship finals initially, citing its neutral appeal. He suggests that as the tournament gains popularity, larger stadiums in India and Australia, like the MCG and Ahmedabad, could host future finals to accommodate bigger crowds.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Sanjog Gupta as its new chief executive officer (CEO). He will assume office on July 7, 2025, becoming the seventh CEO in the history of the ICC.