LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup clash between Pakistan and India.
In a statement on social media, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board has raised concerns with both the ICC and MCC, alleging that the referee’s instructions went against the rules and spirit of the game.
According to the complaint, Pycroft told Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands at the toss. The PCB maintains this directive breached established protocols and reflected poorly on fair play. Naqvi stressed that the board has demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from officiating in the tournament to ensure impartiality.
The protest follows earlier complaints from Pakistan’s team management about the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands after the match. Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema described the behavior as unsportsmanlike, adding that Pakistan’s response was justified under the circumstances.
Reports suggest that the match referee had instructed both captains to avoid handshakes, but Pakistan’s leadership viewed the move as unnecessary and inappropriate, leading Salman Ali Agha to boycott the post-match ceremony in protest.
