Pakistan stay in Asia Cup 2025 despite complaint over match referee, no withdrawal planned

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to remain in the Asia Cup 2025, putting an end to speculation about a potential boycott, despite tensions surrounding match referee Andy Pycroft’s conduct during Pakistan’s match against India in Dubai on Sunday. Reports had emerged that Pakistan was considering withdrawing from the tournament if Pycroft was not removed from his officiating duties.

The controversy began when the PCB alleged that Pycroft, appointed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), instructed both captains not to shake hands during the toss—a long-standing cricketing tradition. The PCB claimed that Pycroft separately informed Pakistan captain Salman Agha and India captain Suryakumar Yadav of the directive.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, confirmed that a formal complaint had been submitted to the ICC. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi stated: “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

The complaint, reportedly addressed to ICC general manager Wasim Khan, accused Pycroft of violating both the Spirit of Cricket and the ICC Code of Conduct. Following the incident, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema approached tournament director Andrew Russell for clarification, only to be informed that the decision stemmed from consultations between the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government.

The situation intensified when Indian players and staff chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match, following directives aligned with the Indian government and BCCI’s guidance. India captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed this stance. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson described the development as “disappointing,” while captain Salman Agha opted out of the post-match presentation ceremony.

Andy Pycroft, along with fellow match referee Richie Richardson, is overseeing the Asia Cup, with Pycroft scheduled to officiate two more group-stage matches: Sri Lanka vs. Hong Kong and Pakistan vs. UAE, both in Dubai. Although the ICC is reviewing his continued involvement, no official decision has yet been announced. Reports indicate that the ICC is likely to dismiss PCB’s request to remove Pycroft.

Despite growing diplomatic tensions and public outrage online, the PCB has not officially withdrawn or threatened to abandon the tournament. Pakistan’s participation remains intact, with Wednesday’s key match against UAE determining their progression to the Super Four stage, potentially setting up another clash with India on September 21.