In a major development ahead of Pakistan’s must-win Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash against the UAE, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that match referee Andy Pycroft will no longer officiate in Pakistan’s remaining matches of the tournament.
He will be replaced by former West Indies captain Richie Richardson as part of a compromise reached with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The decision comes in the wake of the controversy following Sunday’s high-octane India–Pakistan clash, where Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, instead paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people.
Upset with certain umpiring decisions and Pycroft’s conduct during the match, the PCB formally requested his removal from all Pakistan fixtures. Although ICC initially rejected the demand — in a response signed by ICC General Manager Waseem Khan, himself a former PCB CEO — negotiations eventually led to a “middle-of-the-road” solution acceptable to both parties.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, reportedly discussed the matter with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif before the compromise was announced. Sources say the resolution spared PCB from potentially pulling out of the tournament — a move that could have cost the board nearly USD 16 million in lost revenue.
The drama also disrupted Pakistan’s pre-match schedule, with their press conference being cancelled just 90 minutes before players were due to train. While a boycott was rumored, the team eventually attended training, though the session appeared relaxed, with players engaging in light football passing drills rather than intensive practice.
In contrast, the Indian camp remained focused, completing a rigorous three-hour training session under strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux. Players Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma were seen doing Bronco runs, reflecting India’s commitment to peak fitness levels.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav celebrated his 35th birthday belatedly at the training venue, cutting a cake with the media — a light moment amid the tense backdrop of the tournament.
