A heated controversy has erupted following the recent Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) now formally demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
The dispute stems from the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the end of the match on September 14, when India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets.
The PCB issued a statement alleging that Pycroft violated the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Code of Conduct and should be “immediately removed from the Asia Cup.” This demand follows a formal complaint lodged by the PCB with the ICC.
On his official X account, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated, “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
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The PCB also brought the issue to the attention of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), describing the Indian team's actions as “unsporting” and “against the spirit of the game.” According to the report, Pakistan's team manager, Naveed Cheema, “strongly objected to the behavior of Indian players.” In protest, Pakistan’s captain did not attend the post-match ceremony.
India’s Stance
India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended the team's decision, explaining it was a mark of solidarity and respect for the victims of a recent terror attack.
At the post-match presentation, Yadav stated, “We stand with the victims and families of the terror attack and express our solidarity. We want to dedicate today's win to all of our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.”
The attack, occurred on April 22 in Pahalgam, reportedly killed 25 Indians. India blamed Pakistan for the attack — which Pakistan denied — and then launched air strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with Pakistan firing missiles back.
The retaliatory actions from both sides led to the worst military confrontation between the neighboring countries in decades, resulting in dozens of casualties.