The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, escalating tensions between the cricketing body and Pakistan, sources said.

ICC rejects PCB’s request

They said that on Tuesday, the ICC formally rejected the PCB’s request to replace Pycroft. The decision was conveyed to the PCB a day earlier and confirmed in an official letter. Sources say that Pakistan will withdraw from Asia Cup if the PCB's demand is not met.

Also Read: PCB asks ICC to replace Andy Pycroft as referee for South Africa series

The PCB had accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket during Pakistan’s group-stage clash against India. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), publicly demanded Pycroft’s removal, calling it a breach of cricketing protocol.

Handshake controversy

The controversy erupted during the toss on September 14, when Pycroft reportedly told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav. This angered the PCB, which saw the move as biased.

Also Read: Pakistan threaten Asia Cup boycott over referee controversy

However, the ICC allegedly clarified that Pycroft was simply following ACC officials’ instructions. The council had decided there would be no handshakes at the toss, and Pycroft was only relaying that directive. ICC dismissed the suggestion that he acted on India’s behalf, the sources said.

Post-match drama

Tensions deepened after India’s victory, when players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube rushed off the field without handshakes. While it initially appeared that both teams avoided the gesture, Pakistan’s lineup, led by captain Agha and coach Mike Hesson, later approached India’s dressing room to complete the tradition.

Also Read: Ind vs Pak handshake row: PCB seeks referee Andy Pycroft’s removal

The Indian side, however, shut their dressing room door, rejecting the customary post-match handshakes. The incident further inflamed Pakistan’s frustration, leading to demands for Pycroft’s removal.

Pakistan’s strong protest

PCB sources confirmed that Pakistan threatened to boycott their remaining matches in the ongoing Asia Cup tournament if Pycroft remains match referee. Officials have already begun consultations within the board and with the ACC to address the situation.

Reports suggest that if Pakistan forfeits Thursday’s match in Dubai, UAE would automatically progress in the tournament, knocking Pakistan out of the Asia Cup 2025. Currently, both teams are tied on two points in Group A.

ICC’s stand

Despite Pakistan’s tough stance, the ICC has allegedly reaffirmed that Pycroft will continue officiating in the Asia Cup, including Pakistan’s next game against the UAE. The governing body emphasized that match officials are appointed by the ICC in coordination with the ACC and that Pycroft’s role is not under dispute.

Also Read: PCB chief slams India’s refusal to shake hands after Asia Cup clash

On Monday, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to assign Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the upcoming home series against South Africa scheduled in October.

PCB writes to ICC over match referee

According to sources, the PCB has written a letter to the ICC demanding that Pycroft be replaced with another official for the series. The board has raised concerns over Pycroft’s past conduct, alleging that he has shown partiality in previous assignments.

Ministry of Interior restrictions

The matter has also taken a diplomatic turn, as sources confirmed that the Ministry of Interior has banned Andy Pycroft from entering Pakistan. This ban further strengthens the PCB’s case for requesting a different match referee for the October series.