The International Cricket Council (ICC) has replaced match referee Andy Pycroft with Richie Richardson for Pakistan’s upcoming matches in the Asia Cup, sources said on Wednesday.

According to the sources, an agreement has been reached between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the ICC following Pakistan’s strong stance on the matter, prompting the ICC to change the match referee.

The sources state that former West Indian skipper Richie Richardson will now officiate Pakistan’s remaining matches in the Asia Cup, in place of Andy Pycroft.

It has also been confirmed that the Pakistan team will play against the UAE today, and the PCB has instructed team management to be prepared.

Indian media outlet Hindustan Times claimed that the ICC had removed Andy Pycroft from officiating Pakistan’s remaining Asia Cup matches following Pakistan’s demand.

The report further said that Pycroft will not be assigned to any of Pakistan’s remaining fixtures.

Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) toughened its stance over the controversial match referee Andy Pycroft.

The PCB sent another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), expressing strong reservations over the ICC’s failure to take action against Andy Pycroft.

According to sources, the PCB’s second letter rejected the ICC’s decision not to take disciplinary action against Pycroft and reiterated that Pakistan would boycott any match officiated by him.

The PCB reportedly criticised the ICC’s inquiry into the matter, calling it a mere formality, stating that key aspects were overlooked and relevant individuals were not consulted.

Pakistan refused to play under Andy Pycroft and made it clear in the letter that its boycott stance would remain unless the demand for his removal was met.

The sources indicated that Pakistan emphasised the need to address all concerns comprehensively and will only agree to play once a formal announcement is made confirming that all its conditions have been met.

The controversy erupted after Andy Pycroft allegedly asked the Pakistan and India captains not to shake hands at the toss before their Asia Cup 2025 fixture on Sunday.

The PCB later filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of violating the “Spirit of Cricket”.

It is important to note that, under ICC regulations, a match referee cannot directly issue instructions to the captain or players.

The referee is only authorised to communicate through the team manager.

Sunday’s match was the first since the two countries were involved in an armed conflict in May this year.

Pakistan vs UAE match on track

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has hinted that the Pakistan-UAE match will take place today (Wednesday).

In a post shared on its social media platform, the ACC stated that today’s clash between Pakistan and the UAE is a “do-or-die” encounter.

The winner will advance to the next stage of the tournament, while the loser will be eliminated.