PCB Wants Andy Pycroft Removed After Asia Cup Handshake Row

PCB Demands Removal of Match Referee Andy Pycroft Following Asia Cup Handshake Controversy

DUBAI – September 15, 2025 - The fallout from the Asia Cup final has escalated into a major diplomatic incident within the world of cricket. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The controversy stems from a now-viral video clip showing a tense exchange between Pycroft and members of the Pakistan team after they refused to shake hands with their opponents in the post-match ceremony. The PCB alleges that Pycroft's handling of the situation was "unprofessional and biased," a claim that has been vehemently denied by the ICC.

The Incident: A Tense Post-Match Scene

The controversy unfolded in the moments immediately following the Asia Cup final, which saw a thrilling finish and a narrow victory for India. The on-field tension, which had been simmering throughout the match, spilled over into the post-match rituals. As the teams lined up for the customary handshake, several Pakistani players, led by their captain, were seen walking past their opponents with minimal acknowledgment. The cameras, initially focused on the celebrations, quickly pivoted to capture the moment of frostiness.

According to sources present at the venue, Pycroft, who was overseeing the ceremonies, immediately intervened. He reportedly approached the Pakistani players and, in a heated exchange, questioned their lack of sportsmanship. The conversation, though not audible in the viral clip, appeared to be confrontational, with Pycroft gesticulating and the Pakistani players responding with defiant expressions. The incident lasted only a few minutes but was long enough to be caught by broadcast cameras and immediately went viral on social media, sparking a massive debate.

The PCB’s Official Stance: Allegations of Bias

In a press conference held in Lahore just hours after the incident, the PCB’s Chairman, Najam Sethi, launched a scathing attack on the match referee. "We have seen the footage, and we are utterly disgusted," Sethi stated. "The behavior of Mr. Pycroft was unacceptable. He was confrontational and disrespectful to our players. The post-match ceremony is a moment of sportsmanship and respect, and his actions created an environment of unnecessary tension. We believe his actions were biased and a clear breach of his duties as a match official."

The PCB's formal complaint to the ICC outlines two key points:

1. Violation of Protocol: The complaint alleges that Pycroft went beyond his authority by directly confronting the players on the field. The PCB argues that any disciplinary matters should be handled through official channels, not in a public, on-field confrontation.
2. Unfair Treatment: The PCB's complaint also claims a pattern of unfair decisions against the Pakistan team in recent tournaments, culminating in this incident. They have requested a thorough review of Pycroft’s conduct and his immediate removal from the Asia Cup roster.

The ICC's Response: A Firm Rejection

The ICC has responded swiftly and firmly to the PCB's demands. In a statement released to the media, an ICC spokesperson defended Andy Pycroft's actions, stating that he was simply "upholding the spirit of the game."

"Match officials are entrusted with the responsibility of ensuring a respectful and fair environment, both on and off the field," the statement read. "Mr. Pycroft’s actions were in line with his duties to address a clear lapse in sportsmanship. He did so in a professional manner. The ICC stands by its official and will not be taking any disciplinary action against him. We urge all member boards to respect the role of match officials and to handle any grievances through appropriate channels."

The ICC’s firm stance indicates that the organization has no intention of caving to the PCB's pressure. The incident has now put the relationship between the two bodies under significant strain.

Players Speak Out: A Divided Dressing Room

The controversy has also created a divide within the Pakistani dressing room. While some players have privately expressed support for their captain's actions, a few others have voiced their concerns about the public confrontation. A senior player, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, "The emotions were running high. We were disappointed with the loss. But we are a team, and we will stand by our captain's decision."

However, another source from the team has stated that the incident was "unnecessary." "We should have handled it differently," the source said. "A handshake is a sign of respect. We need to be role models, and this kind of behavior sends the wrong message to our fans and the world." The differing opinions within the team highlight the complexity of the situation and the immense pressure that comes with high-stakes matches.

A History of Tense Encounters

This is not the first time a match between India and Pakistan has led to a post-match controversy. The two teams have a long history of intense rivalries and emotional encounters. From verbal spats on the field to heated exchanges in the dressing room, the matches between these two nations are always more than just a game.

In a similar incident in a previous tournament, there were reports of a heated exchange between players from both sides during a group stage match. While that incident was handled internally, the public nature of the Pycroft exchange has elevated it to an international-level issue. The ICC’s decision to defend its official and the PCB’s demand for his removal have set the stage for a long and drawn-out conflict.

The Global Reaction: A Debate on Sportsmanship

The controversy has ignited a global debate on sportsmanship and professionalism in cricket. Fans, former players, and sports analysts have all weighed in on the issue.

• For the PCB: Many fans and analysts argue that the match referee's on-field confrontation was unprofessional. They believe that any issues should have been handled discreetly in the dressing room. Some have also pointed to what they see as a history of inconsistent officiating in the tournament, lending credence to the PCB's claims of bias.
• For the ICC: Other analysts and former players have sided with the ICC and Pycroft. They argue that a handshake is a fundamental act of respect in cricket, and the Pakistani players' refusal was a clear breach of sporting etiquette. They believe that Pycroft was right to intervene and uphold the game's values.

The incident has also raised questions about the role of match officials in high-pressure games and how they should handle disputes. It is a complex issue with no easy answers, and the debate will likely continue for a long time.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead

The PCB has stated that they will not let the matter rest and are prepared to take it to the highest levels within the ICC. They are demanding a formal hearing and a full investigation into Pycroft's conduct. The ICC, on the other hand, seems to be holding firm, signaling a potential standoff.

The incident has overshadowed the thrilling final match and has put a dark cloud over the conclusion of the Asia Cup. The focus has now shifted from the on-field heroics to the off-field politics, which is a disappointment for cricket fans around the world. The world of cricket will now be watching to see how this conflict unfolds and what the final outcome will be.