PCB Files Formal Protest Over Match Referee: WHY?

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025 after the handshake controversy in the high-voltage match against India.

During the Pakistan-India toss, both captains skipped the handshake, which referee Pycroft reportedly ordered. The PCB says this direction violates cricket’s spirit and MCC laws.

“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB wrote. It said that Pycroft “failed to fulfil his responsibilities as match referee” and violated the ICC Code of Conduct.

Pakistan’s worries increased after India’s seven-wicket win on Sunday. Suryakumar Yadav, who scored the winning runs, rejoiced with Shivam Dube before going to the dressing room.

Indian players applauded each other at the dugout but did not shake hands with Pakistan.

Pakistan’s players waited for the handshake, but the Indian squad retreated and closed the dressing room doors, leaving them unsatisfied.

Mike Hesson, head coach, said the players waited for the gesture that never came.

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony in protest, breaking broadcast norms where captains speak. In its letter, the PCB repeatedly stressed the “spirit of the game” and condemned attempts to undermine it, citing MCC regulations.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi turned to the social media site ‘X’ to express the board’s worries about the match referee’s violations of cricket’s rules and ethos.

“The PCB has complained to the ICC about the match referee’s ICC Code of Conduct and MCC law violations. The referee violated cricket spirit. We want Andy Pycroft removed from the Asia Cup immediately, Naqvi wrote.

The complaint also stated that tournament officials had received orders from the Indian board and government, aggravating matters.

Pakistan media manager Naveed Akram Cheema protested to the match referee and Tournament Director Andrew Russell, who initially indicated the directives came from the Indian board but later explained that they came from the Indian government.