The ICC informed the PCB that it found no wrongdoing on the part of the match referee.
ICC Ends Handshake Controversy, Rejects PCB’s Plea Against Pycroft
On Wednesday, the International Cricket Council brought the Asia Cup handshake saga to a close by delivering its final verdict to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding Andy Pycroft. The PCB had written twice to the ICC, demanding the removal of the Zimbabwean match referee from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, holding him responsible for the no-handshake incident during the India-Pakistan clash in Dubai on Sunday. Both requests were rejected.
The PCB claimed that Pycroft triggered the controversy by instructing the captains not to shake hands at the toss. Pakistan’s team manager subsequently wrote to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), accusing the 69-year-old of “misconduct of the highest order,” prompting the PCB to seek ICC intervention. The board even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if their demand was not met, but the ICC dismissed both appeals.
ICC Clears Pycroft, PCB Accepts Decision After Delayed UAE Match
According to a report by Cricbuzz, the ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that no wrongdoing was found on the part of match referee Andy Pycroft, who was said to have actually prevented an “embarrassment” for both India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.
The report stated: “The ICC communique noted that it had conducted its own inquiry and concluded that Pycroft had helped prevent an embarrassment for both captains by discreetly advising them to avoid handshakes at the toss. Pycroft had not violated any match protocols.” The ICC also acknowledged that the PCB was within its rights to lodge the complaint but stressed that appointments of match officials are a centralised decision and cannot be influenced by any member board. The governing body warned that yielding to pressure could set a dangerous precedent, and therefore, Pycroft remained as the match referee for Pakistan’s Wednesday clash against the UAE.
Earlier that evening, Pakistan’s final group game in Dubai was delayed by an hour while the PCB awaited final clearance. Players were instructed to remain at the hotel after the ICC rejected their second appeal, confirming Pycroft’s continued role. After a lengthy meeting at PCB headquarters with chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former chairpersons Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, it was decided that the team would proceed. Shortly afterward, Naqvi tweeted: “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.” The team left for the venue soon after.
