ISLAMABAD — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The complaint follows Sunday’s tense India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash in Dubai, which ended in controversy both on and off the field.
According to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the referee violated the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws related to the “Spirit of Cricket.” Naqvi stated that Pycroft allegedly instructed both captains to avoid post-match handshakes, a move the PCB views as undermining sportsmanship.
India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match Sparks Fallout
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in their first meeting since May’s military conflict. Captain Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning six and walked off without greeting the Pakistani players. During the post-match press conference, he said the gesture aligned with directives from the BCCI and Indian government.
Moreover, Yadav dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. While New Delhi blamed Pakistan for the incident, Islamabad strongly denies the accusation.
In response, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema confirmed a formal protest. “It was against the spirit of the game,” he said. “The referee’s instructions discouraged post-match engagement, which was disappointing.”
Sportsmanship Under Scrutiny After Asia Cup Clash
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match ceremony in protest. Coach Mike Hesson later described India’s conduct as “disappointing,” noting that Pakistan had hoped to end the match with mutual respect.
Naqvi echoed the sentiment on X. “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship,” he wrote. “Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports.”
Despite the controversy, India’s performance stood out. Kuldeep Yadav took 3-18, and Suryakumar scored an unbeaten 47. With two wins, India is set to enter the Super Fours. Pakistan, who face UAE next, are still expected to qualify.
As of now, the ICC has not responded to the PCB’s complaint. However, the incident has reignited debate over the role of politics in cricket and the importance of preserving sportsmanship in high-stakes matches.
