PCB urges ICC to immediately remove match referee from Asia Cup

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the match referee for Sunday’s Asia Cup game between Pakistan and India for his alleged violations of rules pertaining to the “Spirit of Cricket”, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In a post uploaded on X platform on Monday, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, referring to referee Andy Pycroft, wrote: “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket.”

Mohsin Naqvi further said “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup.”

The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 15, 2025

 

Spinners led by Kuldeep Yadav helped India beat Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup on Sunday as the neighbours met on the cricket pitch for the first time since a military conflict in May.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning shot as Indian fans celebrated at a stadium, which had a lot of empty seats, and the players from both teams went off without handshakes.

Suryakumar, in the presentation, said India took the match against Pakistan as “just another game” and dedicated the win to the Indian army. “We stand with the victims of the families of the Pahalgam attack and we express our solidarity,” Suryakumar said. “We want to dedicate today’s win to the armed forces.”

Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Lets hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 14, 2025

After hitting the winning shot, Suryakumar and his teammates refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts. The captain said in the post-match press conference that the move was in alignment “with the BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) and the government”. 

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha did not show up in the post-match ceremony as a reaction to the Indian team’s move.

“It was a follow-on effect of the fact that we were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match, but that obviously didn’t happen,” Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said later.

Pakistan 'not to play' remaining Asia Cup matches

Pakistan has decided “not to play” the remaining matches of Asia Cup till the change of referee, reliable sources told 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also wrote a complaint letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) in which it was stated that referees openly violated rules and regulations.

Mohsin Naqvi complained about the partial role of the match referee and violations of ICC and MCC rules and regulations.

The PCB Chairman said that the match referee was involved in actions that were against the spirit of cricket.

The Pakistan Cricket Board also demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.

Reporter: Waseem Ejaz Bakhari