The International Cricket Council (ICC) has dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board&rsquo;s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 panel. The PCB had blamed the 69-year-old Zimbabwean official for the controversial no-handshake incident between Indian and Pakistani players after their Asia Cup clash in Dubai.
The controversy began when Indian players skipped the customary handshake after defeating Pakistan. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav explained that the gesture was meant as solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The PCB, however, alleged that Pycroft&rsquo;s instructions during the toss sparked the issue, leading to complaints filed with both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the ICC.
Reports suggest the ICC found no grounds to act against Pycroft, reasoning that ACC officials had instructed him before the toss to avoid a handshake.&nbsp;
Despite ICC&rsquo;s stance, the ACC is reportedly considering a compromise by excluding Pycroft from officiating further Pakistan fixtures. He was originally scheduled to oversee Pakistan&rsquo;s final group game against the UAE, with Richie Richardson emerging as an alternative acceptable to the PCB.
The PCB has hinted at withdrawing from the tournament if its concerns are not addressed, but insiders suggest the threat is more symbolic than practical.

ICC dismisses PCB’s bid to drop referee over Asia Cup handshake row, ACC may step in

ICC Rejects PCB’s Demand to Remove Pycroft

ICC dismisses PCB’s bid to drop referee over Asia Cup handshake row, ACC may step in

September 16, 2025 | 14:45 IST