The PCB had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he told the Indian captain to avoid handshakes with their team. The ICC rejected this demand as unfounded, confirming Pycroft would continue his duties.
Dubai: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to boycott its upcoming Asia Cup match against the UAE in Dubai, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi set to address the media in an emergency press conference amid ongoing controversies surrounding officiating decisions in the tournament. It was a must-win match for Pakistan in the Asia Cup, adding to speculations that the withdrawal was also considering the possibility of qualification. Earlier, the team had cancelled the scheduled press conference ahead of the match due to a controversy that erupted during the fixture against Team India. PCB had written to the International Cricket Council (ICC) alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft asked Indian team captain Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands with Pakistan during the coin toss as well as after the nine-wicket win at the Dubai International Stadium on September 14. Pakistan had also threatened to pull out of the tournament if Andy Pycroft was not removed.
Pakistan Players Still At Hotel
According to reports, PCB instructed the national team to remain at their hotel and not travel to the stadium. Their kits and luggage reportedly are on the team bus and the reason for the decision is expected to be announced in the press conference. The International Cricket Council’s refusal to accept the Pakistan Cricket Board’s demand to remove Andy Pycroft had caused embarrassment for Pakistan and its board. As per the report by RevSportz, the ICC made it crystal clear to PCB that Pycroft was not at fault, and the demand to remove the Zimbabwean official was unfounded. The ICC was not willing to entertain any such demands by the PCB, which stated that Pycroft would continue as match referee for the Asia Cup 2025 and that the PCB’s demand had been officially rejected.
(This is a developing story)