The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the 2025 Asia Cup and has warned that it will reconsider its participation in the tournament if this demand is not met.
The threat came after the controversy over Indian players not shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts during last night’s (September 14, 2025) match in Dubai.
The Indian team, led by captain Surya Kumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with Pakistani players after their wicket-taking win over Pakistan.
According to PCB officials, Pycroft had advised the captains of the two teams not to shake hands during the draw, which they considered a violation of the spirit of cricket and ICC rules.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) demanding Pycroft’s dismissal.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed in a post on X that a formal complaint had been sent to the ICC and stressed that nothing is above Pakistan’s dignity and pride.
