The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, Indian media reported on Tuesday. The complaint followed tensions during the recent high-profile match between Pakistan and India.
PCB had accused Pycroft of violating the Spirit of Cricket by instructing the captains not to shake hands during the toss, an unusual move in cricket’s traditions. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said Pycroft broke ICC and MCC rules, but the ICC reportedly responded late Monday, stating Pycroft would continue as referee and declined PCB’s demand.
The controversy began after India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and teammates refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s team during the toss and after the match. Yadav said this action aligned with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and government wishes, as a “proper reply” to Pakistan following recent military tensions.
Yadav further politicized the victory by dedicating the win to the Indian armed forces and referencing the earlier Kashmir conflict, which sparked criticism from Pakistani players and cricket analysts. Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match ceremony, and coach Mike Hesson called India’s behavior “disappointing.”
Despite the tension, the Asian Cricket Council confirmed Pycroft will referee the upcoming Pakistan-UAE match. The ICC’s decision signals a firm stance on the referee’s role, while the cricket rivalry continues to reflect wider political strains between the two countries.