Pakistan has banned referee Andy Pycroft from entering the country. The ban followed his controversial role in the Pakistan-India cricket match. Officials accused him of biased decisions that hurt the game’s fairness. The Ministry of Interior confirmed the strong action.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) expressed anger over Pycroft’s officiating. It said his behavior during the match was unacceptable. The board stressed that fair play must always come first. It warned that such conduct damages the spirit of cricket.
PCB also wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The letter demanded Pycroft not be appointed for future series in Pakistan. Officials asked for a neutral referee during the October home series against South Africa. They want to ensure no repeat of this issue.
Fans and former players backed the move. They argued Pycroft’s decisions clearly influenced the match result. Critics believe the ban will pressure the ICC to take action. The message from Pakistan is that unfair refereeing will not be tolerated again.
The ICC has not replied to the complaint yet. However, Pakistan stands firm on its demand. For now, Andy Pycroft remains barred from Pakistan as cricket authorities push for fair officiating in future matches.