The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly gathered solid evidence against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of colluding with Indian officials during a recent high-profile encounter, sources claimed on Tuesday.
The allegations, if substantiated, could represent one of the most serious breaches of neutrality under the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) code of conduct in recent years.
According to sources, Pycroft allegedly acted on the instructions of an Indian venue manager to prevent Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha from participating fully in on-field duties.
During the toss, Pycroft is said to have directed Agha to mute his microphone and remain silent, a move that insiders described as “pre-planned.”
Additional claims suggested that Pycroft overstepped his authority by instructing Agha not to shake hands with Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav.
ICC regulations clearly stated that referees cannot issue direct orders to captains or players and may only communicate through team managers, making the alleged intervention highly controversial.
The match referee also reportedly refrained from taking action against Yadav for using the phrase “Operation Sindoor,” which under ICC guidelines, could have warranted a fine or disciplinary action.
Sources argue that this leniency was deliberate and designed to shield the Indian cricketer from penalties.
The developments have fueled anger within Pakistan’s cricketing fraternity, with officials warning that the ICC’s refusal to replace Pycroft would be interpreted as a tacit acknowledgment of India’s undue influence.
The allegations have placed the ICC in a difficult position, with the governing body now under pressure to investigate the claims and ensure fairness in its disciplinary framework.
For the moment, cricket watchers await the ICC’s official response to Pakistan’s concerns and whether Pycroft will face any consequences.