• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Handshake Row Andy Pycroft Likely To Be Banned From Pakistans Asia Cup 2025 Matches

Handshake Row: Andy Pycroft Likely To Be Banned From Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 Matches

Anurag Dasgupta

Pycroft likely to be removed [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x.com] Pycroft likely to be removed [Source: @CallMeSheri1_/x.com]

In the latest development, match referee Andy Pycroft is likely to be banned from officiating in Pakistan matches during the ongoing Asia Cup. Pycroft was at the centre of attraction during the India vs Pakistan clash on Sunday, as PCB officially lodged a complaint against him for his conduct during the match.

However, the complaint was rejected by the ICC, and despite a strong protest from the PCB, ICC stood firm with its decision, and the referee would continue to be associated with the ongoing event.

No Pycroft for Pakistan matches in Asia Cup

Earlier, it was reported that Pycroft is set to officiate in Pakistan’s next clash against the UAE, but a fresh report from ARY News reveals that he has been removed from Pakistan’s final Asia Cup group stage match, and West Indian referee Richie Richardson will replace him. 

Report added that Pakistan cricket felt Pycroft is favouring India, and the board wanted him to be entirely removed from the marquee event.

What happened between India and Pakistan on Sunday?

India collided against Pakistan in a high-octane clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and Pycroft reportedly advised Pakistan skipper, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav, and this infuriated PCB, who believed that the referee was favouring India.

However, ICC cleared that Pycroft was only following the instructions given to him by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials. The controversy escalated when, after the game, the Indian side left the field without shaking hands with Pakistan, and PCB reckoned that the referee was breaching the “code of conduct.”

However, despite the complaint filed against him, the ICC went against PCB, but if the reports are to be believed, Pycroft may not manage games associated with Pakistan.