Pakistan Threatens to Pull Out of Asia Cup Over Match Referee Dispute

Dubai — The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has warned that it will withdraw from the ongoing Asia Cup unless the International Cricket Council (ICC) replaces match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the spirit of the game during the high-profile clash against India.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said the board has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging that the referee’s conduct went against the ICC Code of Conduct. “We have made it clear to the ICC that unless the referee is removed, Pakistan will not participate in further matches of the Asia Cup,” Naqvi stated.

The controversy arose during Saturday’s Pakistan-India fixture, when Pycroft reportedly instructed both captains not to shake hands after the toss — a move that Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema criticized as being against cricketing norms.

The PCB has demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from the tournament, saying his actions were “contrary to the spirit of cricket.”

The dispute has cast uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament, with the Asia Cup organizers yet to respond publicly to the PCB’s warning.