The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), seeking the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced this on Monday, accusing the referee of violating ICC Code of Conduct rules related to the ‘Spirit of Cricket.’
PCB Files Official ICC Complaint
In a statement posted on X, Naqvi declared, “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC (Marylebone Cricket Club) Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket.” He demanded the immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.
India Wins High-Stakes Pakistan Clash
In the Asia Cup match on Sunday held in Dubai, India secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav’s remarkable bowling performance was a key factor in the win. This match was notable as it was the first encounter since the military conflict between the cricket rivals in May. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav concluded the match with a six, which ignited celebrations among Indian supporters.
The match concluded without customary post-match handshakes, with many seats in the stadium left empty.
No Handshake Protocol Explained
During the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav stated that the absence of handshakes aligned with the stance of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government. In the presentation ceremony, he remarked that India viewed the match as “just another game.” He dedicated the victory to the country’s armed forces, saying, “We stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and express our solidarity. Today’s win is for the Indian army.”
Pakistan-India Cricket Tensions
An attack on civilians in Pahalgam, Indian-occupied Kashmir, on April 22, heightened tensions between Pakistan and India in May. New Delhi accused Pakistan of supporting the assault without evidence—a claim Islamabad fiercely denies.
PCB Alleges Referee Influence
After the Asia Cup match, the PCB confirmed to Dawn.com that team manager Naveed Akram Cheema had lodged a protest against the match referee. He alleged that the referee influenced the no-handshake policy.
