Pakistan have been left red faced again. After a chastening defeat at the hands of India on Sunday, the PCB suffered yet another one on Wednesday. Pakistan had lodged an official complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft in the aftermath of handshake controversy. However, ICC have paid no heed to their demands despite threatening to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025.
Andy Pycroft retained for PAK vs UAE as ICC quash PCB complaint
Pakistan Cricket Board have sought action against Andy Pycroft since the IND vs PAK game. The match saw India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoiding a handshake with Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Furthermore, after the game, the Indian team left in a jiffy without the usual post game pleasantries.
PCB allege the Pycroft called for both captains to not shake hands at the toss given the political climate. Chief Mohsin Naqvi, also the ACC chief, wrote to ICC asking for Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup. They threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup if a solution was not reached. The PAK vs UAE game was delayed by more than an hour as PCB debated a possible pull out. However, the game went ahead and Pycroft remained in his position as match referee.
As per Cricbuzz, ICC responded to PCB suggesting that Pycroft was cleared in their own investigation. The Jay Shah-led ICC concluded that Pycroft was not guilty of any wrongdoing. Furthermore, while it acknowledged that PCB were well within their rights to complain, a decision in their favour would set a dangerous precedent.
“Controversial ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has apologized to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain. Andy Pycroft had forbidden the captains of both teams from shaking hands during the India-Pakistan match. The Pakistan Cricket Board reacted strongly to Andy Pycroft’s action. Andy Pycroft apologizes for September 14 incident, calling it a miscommunication,” PCB said in a statement.
In a video posted by PCB, Pycroft apologised to coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Agha and the team manager in the presence of ICC GM Wasim Khan. Pycroft later was at the toss in Dubai, after clearing the air.
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