ICC stands firm, rejects Pakistan’s demand to remove Asia Cup referee over handshake row

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has firmly rejected Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, sources confirmed. Pakistan had threatened to pull out of the tournament if their demand was not met.

The decision comes after the controversial handshake incident during the India-Pakistan group-stage clash, which saw India skipper Suryakumar Yadav refuse to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha both at the toss and at the end of the match.

The gesture — or lack thereof — sparked outrage from Pakistan, prompting formal complaints against both the Indian players and referee Pycroft.

According to sources, some Asian Cricket Council officials, including a PCB director, were reportedly aware that no handshake would occur. Nonetheless, the PCB lodged formal protests, alleging that Pycroft had advised Salman Agha against shaking hands, and accused Indian players of violating the ICC Code of Conduct.

In response, the ICC conducted an investigation and communicated its decision to the PCB, making it clear that Pycroft would continue officiating. Pakistan’s next match against the UAE is scheduled for September 17, leaving the PCB with a difficult choice: stay in the tournament or withdraw in protest.

Adding to the controversy, reports from Dubai indicate that the PCB has suspended its Director of International Cricket Operations, Usman Wahla, following Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat to India. Media outlets suggest Wahla faced disciplinary action for failing to address the handshake issue promptly.

The incident has triggered sharp reactions across the cricketing world. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson criticized the snub, while PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi condemned the lack of sportsmanship, urging teams to separate politics from the game.

The Asia Cup controversy highlights the persistent tensions between India and Pakistan on and off the field, with the cricketing fraternity watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming matches.