ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has formally apologised to Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha and team manager over the controversial handshake row that erupted after the high-voltage clash with India during the Asia Cup 2025.
The controversy gained traction after both skippers skipped the traditional handshake at the toss and following the match, a move reportedly directed by Pycroft. The omission angered the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), which lodged a strong protest with the ICC and demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal.
Following the backlash, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi instructed the Pakistan team to travel to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their scheduled fixture against the UAE, even though confirmation of referee changes was still awaited.
The national team eventually left for the stadium in high spirits after the board’s clearance, though the match was postponed by an hour amid ongoing deliberations. The game is now set to begin at 8:30pm (PST), with the toss scheduled at 8pm.
PCB, however, has maintained its firm stance, refusing to play matches overseen by Pycroft. Sources revealed that the board has sent a second letter to the ICC, rejecting the council’s inquiry as “incomplete” and stressing that all aspects of the incident were not examined.
The PCB has reiterated that Pakistan will only agree to participate once its concerns are fully addressed and an official announcement of Pycroft’s removal is made.
Reports suggest that former West Indies captain Richie Richardson is being considered as the replacement referee for Pakistan’s clash against the UAE.
The controversy has intensified after India’s captain Suryakumar defended avoiding handshakes, saying the decision aligned with directives from his government and cricket board. Pakistan’s refusal to accept the ICC’s stance has placed the ball firmly in the ICC’s court, with Pycroft’s role now under serious scrutiny.
