India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: ICC officially rejects PCB's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft

The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has taken yet another controversial twist, as the International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft. According to reports, the ICC communicated its decision directly to the PCB, firmly standing by Pycroft amid the allegations. The controversy stems from an incident that occurred during the high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan in Dubai. The PCB claims that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. Pakistan officials viewed this alleged directive as biased and unprofessional, suggesting it reflected favoritism towards the Indian team.

Will Pakistan boycott their next Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE?

The PCB argued that such actions compromise the spirit of sportsmanship and the integrity of the match official’s role. Despite Pakistan's strong objections and formal complaint, the ICC found no grounds to take disciplinary action against Pycroft. The governing body has emphasized its confidence in the neutrality and conduct of its match officials. However, the incident has further strained relations between the PCB and ICC, as well as fueled tensions in one of cricket’s most intense rivalries. The Asia Cup continues under a cloud of controversy, with the issue sparking debate across the cricketing world.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has expressed strong dissatisfaction over what it perceives as biased officiating during the Asia Cup 2025, particularly targeting match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB demanded his immediate removal from the tournament, citing an incident during the India vs Pakistan match in Dubai where they claim Pycroft acted unfairly. Tensions escalated further when Pakistan reportedly threatened to boycott their upcoming match against the UAE if their concerns were not addressed.

However, the International Cricket Council has firmly rejected the PCB’s allegations and stood by Pycroft. According to sources, the ICC clarified that the decision to forgo the traditional pre-match handshake was not made by Pycroft himself, but was relayed to him by ground officials shortly before the toss. Pycroft, the ICC asserts, was simply adhering to protocol as directed by tournament staff, and his actions were not influenced by any team, including India.

The ICC’s explanation directly counters Pakistan’s claims of favoritism and biased treatment. In standing by their official, the ICC has delivered a significant blow to the PCB’s position. The governing body also emphasized its commitment to fairness and neutrality, urging all participating nations to maintain the spirit of the game amid mounting pressure and controversy.

"The communication, purported to have been sent either by the ICC operations or legal department, is believed to have made it clear that the match referee had no role in the handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan match in Dubai on Sunday. The ICC has reasoned it out, saying the ACC officials on the ground are understood to have conveyed this to Pycroft, who, in turn, relayed it to Salman Agha,” stated the report. 

The Asia Cup 2025 continues to deliver high-intensity drama, with the tournament now entering a critical phase. India and Sri Lanka have already secured their spots in the Super Four stage, while Oman and Hong Kong have been eliminated from contention. India booked their place with consecutive victories over the UAE and Pakistan, showcasing dominant form early in the competition. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, earned their qualification with a solid four-wicket win over Hong Kong followed by a convincing six-wicket triumph against Bangladesh.

The battle for the remaining two Super Four spots is heating up between Pakistan, the UAE, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. For Bangladesh, the path forward is challenging—they must defeat Afghanistan in their final group match to stay in contention. However, their progression will also depend on the outcome of Afghanistan’s clash with Sri Lanka, along with net run rate calculations that could ultimately determine their fate.

Meanwhile, Pakistan and the UAE are set for a high-stakes, winner-takes-all clash. The team that wins this group match will move on to the Super Four, while the loser will be knocked out of the tournament. If rain or any other factor leads to a no-result, Pakistan will advance based on their superior net run rate, meaning the UAE must win to survive.