The upcoming India vs Pakistan Super 4s match in the Asia Cup 2025 is set to be officiated by Andy Pycroft, despite recent controversy surrounding his role in the teams’ previous encounter.
The decision comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Pycroft, citing a breach of the “Spirit of the Game.”
The dispute stems from an incident during the earlier group-stage match, where Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts due to political tensions. The PCB accused Pycroft of preventing the captains from shaking hands at the toss, prompting a formal complaint to the ICC.
Though Pakistan threatened to boycott its match against UAE, Pycroft remained in his role after a meeting with the team management, reportedly issuing an apology. The ICC dismissed the PCB’s claims, stating that Pycroft acted only as a messenger, not a decision-maker.
As the cricketing world turns its attention to the high-voltage rematch in Dubai, the spotlight remains not just on the players, but also on the match referee whose presence has stirred debate. The ICC’s decision to retain Pycroft signals its stance on neutrality and protocol adherence, even amid diplomatic sensitivities.
