Dubai (UAE): In a tense standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), it was ICC’s newly appointed Chief Executive Officer Sanjog Gupta who took charge of negotiations and refused to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup duties, despite Pakistan’s repeated demands.

PCB complaint against Pycroft

The controversy erupted after the high-voltage India–Pakistan Group A clash in Dubai on 14 September, when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha. Yadav later clarified that it was a symbolic gesture to honour victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the armed forces who carried out Operation Sindoor.

The PCB alleged that Pycroft acted in a “partisan” manner by advising Salman not to initiate a handshake and instructing captains not to exchange team sheets. Labelling this as misconduct, Pakistan formally requested the ICC to replace Pycroft with Richie Richardson for the remainder of its matches.

ICC refuses to bow to pressure

According to reports, six emails were exchanged between the PCB and ICC, but the governing body under Gupta’s leadership stood firm. An internal inquiry concluded that Pycroft had not violated any Code of Conduct or officiating protocols.

While the ICC agreed to conduct a limited inquiry into the incident, it rejected PCB’s demand to remove Pycroft, noting there was “no valid reason” for such action. Proposals to temporarily replace him for the 17 September match against UAE were also dismissed by Gupta, who argued that yielding without evidence would set a dangerous precedent and undermine officials’ authority.

Who is Sanjog Gupta?

Appointed in July 2025, Sanjog Gupta is the first Indian to hold the ICC CEO position. A celebrated strategist in sports media, he previously headed Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, the entity formed after the merger of Viacom18 and Disney Star in 2024.

Gupta began his career with Star India in 2010 and rose to become Head of Sports at Disney Star in 2020. He is credited with innovations such as multi-language sports feeds, digital-first coverage, promotion of women’s sports, and expanding cricket’s global commercial reach.

He was instrumental in building properties like the IPL, ICC tournaments, ISL, PKL, and in popularising international events such as the Premier League and Wimbledon in India.

Chosen after a rigorous global recruitment process, Gupta’s appointment reflected ICC’s intent to drive global expansion, digital innovation, and cricket’s inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

A decisive beginning

Gupta’s refusal to accommodate Pakistan’s demands is being viewed as a clear signal of his leadership style — firm, fair, and principled. His handling of the Pycroft issue has reassured the cricket fraternity that the ICC will stand by due process and protect the integrity of the game, irrespective of political or diplomatic pressure.