Asia Cup 2025: Andy Pycroft set to continue as match referee despite PCB row

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in a tough spot with the national team’s participation in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. On the eve of their crucial must-win clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Pakistan’s future in the tournament is uncertain. The controversy began from PCB’s demand to remove ICC match referee Andy Pycroft after a handshake row involving India, a request the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially rejected.

During Pakistan’s group-stage defeat against India on September 14, the Indian players refused customary handshakes at the toss and after the game. Following this, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest, accusing Pycroft of siding with India by instructing that handshakes were unnecessary. The PCB escalated the issue, insisting on Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup, warning of a potential pullout if the demand was ignored. However, the ICC refused to accept the PCB’s demands.

ICC rejects PCB's demand for handshake row

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ICC rejects PCB's demand for handshake row

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that no final decision had been made yet

On Tuesday, PCB cancelled their scheduled press conference but still went ahead with the planned training session at the ICC Academy ground. The session overlapped with India’s nets.  PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also holds a ministerial position in the Pakistan government, flew to Islamabad earlier in the day to consult with officials over the standoff. Sources suggest his discussions with government representatives revolved around the diplomatic fallout of a potential withdrawal and how to balance national pride with cricketing obligations.

Meanwhile, a Cricbuzz report indicated possible intervention from the UAE and Oman cricket boards, who mediated to defuse tensions. Interestingly, a compromise appears to be on the table with Pycroft might be removed from officiating Wednesday’s Pakistan-UAE game, with Richie Richardson stepping in, though Pycroft would remain on the tournament panel. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that no final decision had been made yet. 

"The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made any final decision regarding the Asia Cup. Consultations are underway in this regard, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan's interest in mind," Amir Mir said.