ICC Likely to Deny PCB’s Request to Remove Match Referee Andy Pycroft

The ICC has not yet given an official reply to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup 2025. However, it looks unlikely that the governing body will accept the demand. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi wanted Pycroft replaced after the handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan match in Dubai on September 14.

Reports suggest that there isn’t enough reason to support PCB’s request, and the ICC’s response will come soon. According to Cricbuzz, ICC officials believe Pycroft had very little involvement in the incident. He only passed on a message to Pakistan’s captain to avoid the awkward situation of one skipper refusing a handshake at the toss.

Officials feel that accepting PCB’s request would create a bad example, as it would let a cricket board influence match officials without a valid reason. The issue started after the Asia Cup game on September 14 in Dubai, where Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players after the match.

The MCC rulebook says shaking hands before or after a game is not required, something the ICC is expected to highlight in its reply to the PCB. The matter has grown more serious because reports say Pakistan has threatened to boycott their next game against the UAE on September 17 if their demand is rejected. Pycroft has been appointed as the referee for that match.

The disagreement creates some uncertainty in the Asia Cup. However, the ICC is firm that match officials cannot be changed just because one board requests it, unless there is a strong reason.

The PCB has filed a complaint with the ICC, claiming that the Match Referee broke the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Spirit of Cricket rules. They are asking for the referee to be removed from the Asia Cup immediately, Naqvi said in a social media post.

However, Naqvi’s request, who is also the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president, hasn’t received much support. Match officials are appointed by the ICC in consultation with the local governing body, here the ACC. It is very unlikely that the ICC will take this request seriously.

Interestingly, the PCB has not contacted the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), who oversee cricket’s rules. Instead, they raised the issue citing the ‘Spirit of Cricket,’ but it seems no official message was sent to the MCC.

The MCC’s Spirit of Cricket guide explains that handshakes are a way to show respect but are not required. It stresses being polite to officials and opponents no matter the outcome, but this is not an official rule of cricket.

These points are guidelines, not official rules.

• Respect is central to the Spirit of Cricket.
• Respect your captain, team-mates, opponents and the authority of the umpires.
• Play hard and play fair.
• Accept the umpire’s decision.
• Create a positive atmosphere by your own conduct, and encourage others to do likewise.
• Show self-discipline, even when things go against you.
• Congratulate the opposition on their successes, and enjoy those of your own team.
• Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result.
• Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship and teamwork, which brings together people from different nationalities, cultures and religions, especially when played within the Spirit of Cricket.