Dubai (Asia Cup 2025): A major controversy has erupted after the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi has demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft over alleged violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially lodged a complaint with the ICC, accusing Pycroft of instructing the captains not to shake hands at the toss, breaking a long-standing cricket tradition. In a statement, Naqvi said:
“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.”
The controversy deepened after India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets, with reports stating that the Indian players and support staff also avoided the customary post-match greeting with the Pakistani team. Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the presentation ceremony, while coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment over India’s stance.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, however, justified the move, stating that the Indian government and BCCI were aligned on the matter, suggesting politics had influenced the spirit of the game.
This marks the first clash between the two nations since their cross-border hostilities in May, and tensions are expected to flare again if Pakistan qualifies for the Super Four stage, where they are set to face India once more on September 21 in Dubai.
