Dubai (UAE): The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reignited its demand to replace Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup 2025, despite withdrawing its earlier threat to pull out of the tournament. The board has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC), requesting that former West Indies captain Richie Richardson be appointed in Pycroft’s place for Pakistan’s remaining matches.

PCB blames Pycroft for handshake fiasco

The controversy began after India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to engage in the customary post-match handshakes with Pakistan players following their high-profile Asia Cup clash on Sunday. The gesture, according to Yadav, was intended as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Armed Forces who conducted ‘Operation Sindoor’ in its aftermath.

Pakistan, however, alleged that Pycroft mishandled the situation. The PCB claimed he not only advised captain Salman Ali Agha to avoid handshakes but also prevented the customary exchange of team-sheets between the two sides. Salman’s absence from the post-match presentation ceremony further intensified the row.

ICC rejects first plea, PCB persists

Following the incident, the PCB accused Pycroft of acting in a partisan manner and lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding his removal. The request was initially turned down, but the board has now followed up with another letter pressing for his replacement with Richie Richardson.

Pycroft is scheduled to officiate in Pakistan’s must-win fixture against the UAE later this evening, while the ICC is yet to respond to the PCB’s renewed appeal.

Stakes for Pakistan

While the PCB had earlier hinted at pulling Pakistan out of the Asia Cup, the board has backtracked after realising the financial implications of such a move. A withdrawal could cost Pakistan nearly USD 16 million and damage its standing within the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), currently chaired by Mohsin Naqvi.

Despite these tensions, the Asia Cup schedule has continued without disruption, with India preparing for their final group-stage game against Oman at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium on 19 September.

Conclusion

The ongoing row reflects the continuing strain in cricketing ties between India and Pakistan, where political sensitivities often spill over into sporting contests. Whether or not the ICC concedes to PCB’s fresh demand, the controversy has already overshadowed the cricketing focus of the Asia Cup 2025.