ICC Rejects PCB's Demand to Remove Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup Panel

The ICC refused to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel despite PCB's complaint. The issue arose after Pycroft reportedly advised against a handshake between team captains before a match. PCB's Director of Cricket Operations was dismissed for not informing the team about the 'No Handshake' policy.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down a request from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel overseeing the Asia Cup. The PCB raised a complaint following Pycroft's advice to prevent a handshake between Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha and India's Suryakumar Yadav at the toss of their Sunday match.

Sources confirmed that the ICC stated Pycroft would remain on the panel, rejecting PCB's demand. Tensions escalated leading to the dismissal of Usman Walha, PCB's Director of Cricket Operations, for failing to inform the team about the tournament's 'No Handshake' policy, a lapse contributing to the situation.

As match referees oversee game adherence to rules, the focus now shifts to whether Pycroft, with 695 matches in his portfolio, will officiate Pakistan's upcoming games. PCB proposes Richie Richardson as his interim replacement for the Pakistan-UAE match, yet seeks a resolution with ICC.

(With inputs from agencies.)