The International Cricket Council (ICC) has pulled up the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for multiple breaches of tournament regulations after the team delayed its Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on Wednesday. The delay followed Pakistan’s protest against the ICC’s refusal to suspend match referee Andy Pycroft, whom the PCB had held responsible for the recent handshake controversy during their game against India.
Handshake row sparks fresh conflict
The controversy originated from last Sunday’s India–Pakistan clash, where PCB blamed Pycroft for mishandling the post-match proceedings. The board demanded his immediate removal from the referee panel, threatening to pull out of the tournament if the demand was ignored.
After the ICC rejected this plea, PCB wrote another letter on the eve of their match against the UAE. On match day, Pakistan players were instructed not to leave their hotel, resulting in an hour-long delay before the game commenced.
PCB claims Pycroft apologised
Shortly before the toss, PCB released a video showing Pycroft in conversation with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, manager Naved Akram Cheema, and coach Mike Hesson. Though the audio was muted, PCB claimed that Pycroft had apologised.
However, ICC sources told PTI that the referee only expressed regret over a miscommunication, rejecting PCB’s interpretation of the meeting. The video, shared on social media, fuelled further speculation about the alleged apology.
ICC cites repeated misconduct
In a strongly worded email to the PCB, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta accused the board of “repeated PMOA violations” on match day. The Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol bars unauthorised personnel, including media managers, from attending closed-door meetings.
Despite warnings, PCB insisted that its media manager, Naeem Gillani, be present and even attempted to record the meeting. ICC officials barred him from entering with a mobile phone, leading to another stand-off and threats of withdrawal from the fixture.
Compromise to save the match
To prevent a larger crisis, the ICC permitted Pycroft to meet Pakistan’s captain and manager before the toss, though this went against standard PMOA regulations. A muted video of the exchange was later circulated by PCB, drawing criticism from the global body.
An ICC source said, “The board showed complete disregard for the sanctity of the PMOA. This incident demonstrated a lack of respect for tournament rules.”
Broader implications
The standoff has raised concerns over Pakistan’s relationship with global cricket governance. While PCB managed to push its demands partially, ICC’s sharp response signals that further misconduct could invite disciplinary measures.
The controversy comes at a time when Pakistan’s cricket administration is under scrutiny, with chairman Mohsin Naqvi juggling dual roles in the PCB and the Asian Cricket Council.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup referee row highlights the growing tensions between the PCB and the ICC, with Pakistan’s defiance pushing the boundaries of tournament regulations. While the immediate crisis was defused to allow the UAE match to proceed, the dispute has left a cloud over PCB’s credibility and its handling of international protocols.