ICC Rejects PCB's Demand to Remove Match Referee

The ICC has officially denied PCB’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft after the India vs Pakistan handshake controversy in Asia Cup 2025. The issue began during the toss and escalated post-match when Indian players skipped handshakes. Despite PCB’s protest, the ICC found no misconduct, standing firmly behind the official.

ICC Rejects PCB's Demand to Remove Match Referee After Handshake Controversy in Asia Cup 2025

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft following the post-match controversy during the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025.

The ICC's decision comes just days after the PCB lodged a formal protest, accusing the match referee of mishandling the pre-match and post-match protocols, particularly regarding the handshake incident that has since gone viral and sparked major debate across the cricketing world.

What Sparked the Controversy?

The issue first unfolded during the 6th match of the Asia Cup 2025, held in Dubai. At the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha did not exchange the traditional handshake, which instantly drew attention from commentators and fans.

According to reports from Pakistani media and PCB officials, match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly instructed the Pakistan captain not to initiate a handshake during the toss. However, the lack of clarity around this instruction left both teams uncertain about post-match protocols.

Things escalated further when, after India's commanding win, no Indian players came forward to shake hands with the Pakistan side. Suryakumar Yadav, after hitting the match-winning six, walked straight off the field alongside Shivam Dube — without acknowledging the Pakistani players, who were seen waiting near the boundary line expecting the customary handshake.

PCB's Formal Protest

Following the match, the PCB submitted an official complaint to the ICC, citing:

• Breach of the spirit of the game
• Disrespectful conduct from Indian players
• Poor communication and mismanagement by the match referee

The PCB also demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft as match referee for the remaining matches of the Asia Cup 2025.

ICC's Response: No Action Against Pycroft

The ICC has now formally denied PCB's request to remove Pycroft. In a statement, the governing body reiterated its support for the experienced official, stating that there was no violation of the ICC Code of Conduct from the match referee's side.

The ICC clarified that:

• Handshakes are not mandated under the playing conditions
• Match officials are not required to enforce such gestures unless they fall under a pre-agreed protocol
• No formal breach of conduct was committed by either team or official

This decision has further frustrated the PCB, who believe that the incident has set a poor example for international cricket, especially during a tournament that carries massive political and cultural weight.

Divided Reactions

While Indian fans and media have mostly backed the team's decision, calling it a symbolic gesture following recent tensions back home, Pakistan's camp has called it "unsportsmanlike" and "deliberate."

Former cricketers and experts have weighed in, with some suggesting the ICC should update its guidelines on pre- and post-match conduct to avoid similar confusion in future high-pressure games.

Final Thoughts

The ICC's decision to stand by Andy Pycroft may bring closure from a regulatory standpoint, but the handshake controversy continues to divide opinions among fans, former players, and cricketing boards.

As India and Pakistan potentially face off again in the knockout stages, the atmosphere will remain charged—not just with cricketing rivalry, but also questions of sportsmanship, diplomacy, and the role of match officials in maintaining the "Spirit of the Game."

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