ICC Reportedly Rejects Pakistan’s Request to Remove Match Referee in Asia Cup Dispute
NEW DELHI – Indian media has claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from overseeing the high-profile Asia Cup fixture between Pakistan and India. According to reports, ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its decision last night. Pakistan had earlier lodged a protest…
NEW DELHI – Indian media has claimed that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected Pakistan’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from overseeing the high-profile Asia Cup fixture between Pakistan and India.
According to reports, ICC informed the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of its decision last night. Pakistan had earlier lodged a protest with the governing body, accusing the referee of acting under India’s influence during a post-match handshake controversy.
Indian outlets further reported that the ICC dismissed Pakistan’s allegation, stating that Pycroft’s actions were based on instructions from an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) official present at the venue.
In response, the PCB has adopted a tough stance, warning that it may reconsider Pakistan’s participation in the remaining Asia Cup matches if the referee is not replaced.
Meanwhile, Indian media says the ACC is working to find a compromise, suggesting that Pycroft could be excluded only from Pakistan’s matches, with veteran official Richie Richardson likely to step in as referee for those games.
