New Delhi: In a major development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has responded to the email by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, firing back a firm explanation and denying the allegations. In the email sent by the PCB, they have denied any violation of the protocols ahead of the Asia Cup encounter against UAE.
As per multiple media reports, the PCB explained how the Pakistan team manager’s entry into the Players and Match Officials Area (PMAO) was well withing the rulebook, asking the global governing body to question match referee Andy Pycroff for his negligence.
Late on Thursday, ICC sent a firing mail to PCB accusing them of violating multiple rules of the Asia Cup ahead of their last league clash against UAE in Wednesday. The mail demanded an explanation from the PCB for allowing their media manager in the space where only players and match officials are allowed. The recording of the interaction involved coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
ICC communication also questions Pycroft’s apology
In the communication by the ICC, it had also questioned a PCB release which stated that Pycroft had apologised. It further clarified that the referee had only expressed regret over a miscommunication caused by an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager.
‘The team’s media manager is part of the squad and has authorised access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation,’ a tournament source said, outlining the board’s response. According to the PCB, existing protocols allow media managers to use cameras in the PMOA.
‘If the Standard Operating Procedure was not followed, the ICC should check with the (match) referee on whether the matter was reported to the ACU,’ the source added.
The entire fiasco started after Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman li Agha during the toss of the India vs Pakistan group encounter. PCB then complained to the global governing body about the match referee violating the protocols pertaining to ‘Spirit of the Game’ and wanted him to be removed from the tournament or from Pakistan’s matches.
(With PTI inputs)