DUBAI (Kashmir English): Andy Pycroft will be the referee in the Super Four match between Pakistan and India (Pak vs Ind) scheduled for tomorrow.
According to details, the controversy in the Group A match between Pakistan and India began when Andy Pycroft stopped the two captains from shaking hands during the toss.
The PCB recorded a protest and demanded a change of match referee, and also filed a complaint with the ICC.
The Pakistan-Oman match was delayed as the matter was not resolved until Andy Pycroft apologized to the national team and management.
Later on, the PCB also released the video, where the referee was seen meeting with Captain Salman Ali Agha and the management.
Earlier, PCB officially demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft from officiating Asia Cup 2025 matches.
PCB sources reaffirmed that in case of failure, Pakistan could withdraw from the remaining Asia Cup matches.
As the dispute between PCB and Refree escalated, PCB stood firm and threatened the International Cricket Council (ICC) that it would not play under him.
The sources added that the PCB sent a second letter to the ICC after its previous request for Pycroft’s removal was rejected.
In the recent communication, PCB opposed the ICC’s refusal to take action against the referee and was vehemently opposed to his continued participation in the tournament.
The board expressed that Pakistan would decline to play matches covered by Pycroft and reinforced its stand that it could resort to a boycott if the matter was not resolved.
PCB Statement
Later on, In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that “Pycroft has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team.”
“Andy Pycroft had prohibited the captains of both teams from shaking hands during the India-Pakistan match,” the statement added.
The cricket board said that Pycroft termed the incident on September 14 as a result of miscommunication and apologized.
“The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct during the match on September 14,” it added.
