LAHORE (Pakistan Post Canada) – The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down Pakistan’s request to remove Andy Pycroft as match referee for the Asia Cup 2025.
According to media reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been formally notified of the decision. An Indian outlet claimed that the ICC dismissed Pakistan’s stance that Pycroft acted under pressure from the Indian team, adding that an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official on the ground had advised him regarding the “no handshake” incident.
Reports indicate that while Pycroft will not be removed from the entire tournament, the ICC is considering excluding him from Pakistan’s matches only. In those fixtures, former West Indies cricketer Richie Richardson is expected to serve as match referee.
The controversy arose after Pakistan’s high-voltage clash against India in Dubai, where the PCB alleged that Pycroft’s actions violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of the game. Pakistan also warned it would withdraw from the Asia Cup if the referee was not replaced.
