The controversy over Pakistani players not shaking hands with Indian players has taken a new turn! The International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed dissatisfaction with the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) actions surrounding match referee Andy Pycroft. The governing body of cricket has accused PCB of “indecent behavior” and multiple violations of rules concerning the designated Player and Match Official Area (PMOA).
According to news agency PTI, ICC has sent an e-mail to PCB, raising concerns over breaches of Asia Cup regulations.
A source related to the Asia Cup told PTI, “ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta wrote to PCB, stating that they repeatedly violated PMOA regulations on match day. PCB has received this e-mail.”
On 14 September in Dubai, at the start and end of the India-Pakistan match, Salman Agha’s team did not shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav’s side. Following this incident, PCB blamed match referee Pycroft and demanded his removal from ICC. After ICC did not consider the request, PCB threatened to boycott their 17 September match against UAE. The start of that match was even delayed by one hour.
PTI reports that ICC, in agreement with PCB, allowed Pycroft to meet with both captains and managers before the toss of the India match to address the matter.
The source added, “The objective was to resolve any misunderstanding or miscommunication that had occurred during the toss of the India match.” The source further revealed that PCB brought their media manager Naeem Gilani to the meeting and insisted on his presence. ICC’s Anti-Corruption Manager denied his entry because he attempted to enter the PMOA area with a mobile phone. According to the source, PCB then threatened to withdraw from the match if their media manager was not allowed inside. Ultimately, they forcefully recorded video (without audio) of the meeting, which itself was a violation of PMOA regulations.
How the recorded footage would be used was not communicated to ICC. Later, it was found posted on PCB’s official X handle with the caption: “Pycroft apologizes to Pakistan’s captain and manager.”
ICC has also objected to PCB’s wording of “apologizes.” The governing body clarified that Pycroft merely expressed regret for a miscommunication, not an apology.
