Mohsin Naqvi Demands Removal of ICC Match Referee After Asia Cup Controversy
Lahore: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called on the International Cricket Council (ICC) to immediately remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, following a heated controversy during the Pakistan-India clash.
In a statement posted on X, Naqvi confirmed that the PCB has lodged a formal complaint with both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). The board accused Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws of the Spirit of Cricket, describing his actions as unacceptable.
“The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi wrote, stressing that Pycroft’s conduct undermined fair play.
According to the PCB’s written complaint, the referee instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands at the toss. The board claims this directive was a breach of established cricketing traditions and protocols, raising serious concerns about impartiality.
Earlier, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema also lodged a protest against the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands after the high-voltage match. He described the act as “against the spirit of sportsmanship” and said Pakistan’s reaction was “natural under the circumstances.”
Officials later revealed that the match referee had advised both captains against handshakes, which sparked criticism and ultimately led to Salman Ali Agha boycotting the post-match ceremony.
The controversy has further escalated tensions in the Asia Cup 2025, where both cricketing giants are under intense spotlight not only for their on-field performance but also for off-field disputes.
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