The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned that it will not play any further matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 if match referee Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament.

According to sources, the PCB has conveyed its stance to the International Cricket Council (ICC), citing serious concerns over Pycroft’s conduct, which it said violated the ICC Code of Conduct and was against the spirit of the game.

The sources said the PCB made it clear to the ICC that it will not play any further matches in the Asia Cup if Andy Pycroft, who was the match referee in the clash against India, is not removed immediately.

In its letter to the ICC, the PCB demanded the removal of Pycroft and tournament director Andrew Russell.

Complaint filed: Naqvi

In an official statement, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that a formal complaint has been filed with the ICC, urging the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft.

“The match referee took actions contrary to the spirit of cricket,” Naqvi stated, adding that Pycroft had failed to uphold his responsibilities as a neutral official.

PCB sources said that Andy Pycroft acted in a biased manner in support of the Indian team and even told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with the opposing skipper at the toss — an instruction that is a direct violation of the spirit of cricket and MCC laws.

In its letter, the PCB drew the attention of the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) to the misconduct of the match referee and the Indian team’s behaviour.

Violation of ICC code

The PCB maintained that Andy Pycroft’s actions not only breached ICC and MCC codes but also undermined the neutrality expected from match officials in high-stakes international tournaments.

The letter emphasised that the referee’s conduct was incompatible with the principles of fairness and sportsmanship.

The PCB considered the matter a serious breach and demanded that Pycroft be removed from the Asia Cup to preserve the tournament’s integrity.

Indian instructions

According to sources, during the toss before the match, match referee Andy Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with the opposing skipper at the toss — an instruction that was both unprecedented and against the spirit of the game.

Pycroft also allegedly instructed Pakistan’s media manager not to record any part of the incident.

Following the match, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema expressed his reservations to Tournament Director Andrew Russell, who said, “We have received instructions from the Indian board,” and later added, “Actually, these are directives from the Indian government.”

Later, as a sign of protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match ceremony, citing Indian misconduct and the handling of the match proceedings.

Politicised Remarks by Indian captain

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav created further controversy when he made politically charged comments during the post-match presentation, dedicating the victory to the “Pahalgam incident”.

Yadav reportedly stated, “Today’s win is dedicated to the Pahalgam incident. This victory against Pakistan is a gift to our Indian Army.”