ICC Referee Andy Pycroft Apologizes to Pakistan

During the Asia Cup 2025, match referee Andy Pycroft formally apologised to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the team’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, and the team manager over controversy stemming from a “handshake row” in Pakistan’s match against India. 

The disagreement began after India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players at the toss or after the match, following orders by Pycroft that both captains should avoid handshakes, which the PCB viewed as unsportsmanlike.

Pakistan lodged formal complaints alleging that Pycroft’s decision violated ICC’s Code of Conduct and the laws concerning the spirit of cricket. 

Pycroft described the incident from September 14 as a result of “miscommunication” and expressed regret, submitting his apology to the PCB. Meanwhile, the ICC has stated that it is willing to investigate whether there was a breach of conduct or protocol in how the matter was handled. 

Despite Pakistan’s calls for his removal, the ICC rejected demands to replace Pycroft as match referee for their upcoming match against the United Arab Emirates. The Pakistan vs. UAE game was delayed by an hour amid the dispute. 

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi emphasized that “politics and cricket cannot go together” and called for the sport to remain above political tensions. The board continues to press for clarity and accountability over the incident, while the ICC maintains that Pycroft’s appointment as referee remains valid under their protocols.