PCB demands removal of referee after India-Pakistan clash

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally requested the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following a tense and controversial match between Pakistan and India in the Asia Cup 2025. The board claimed that Pycroft violated the ICC Code of Conduct during the match, sparking widespread debate and anger among Pakistani players and officials.

What Happened During the Match?

The India-Pakistan clash was filled with drama right from the beginning. At the toss, a surprising incident took place—India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha. This gesture, or rather the lack of it, angered the Pakistani team. The tension did not end there; after India won the match comfortably with seven wickets and 25 balls remaining, the Indian players left the field without shaking hands with any Pakistani players.

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These actions added to the ongoing tensions between the two teams, following earlier conflicts, including concerns arising after the Pahalgam terror attack. The lack of sportsmanship led Pakistan’s captain to boycott the post-match presentation ceremony, adding another layer of controversy.

PCB Lodges Formal Complaint

On Monday, September 15, the Pakistan Cricket Board, along with Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi, shared updates about the complaint against both the Indian team and match referee Andy Pycroft. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), Mohsin Naqvi wrote that PCB had lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over what they called violations of the UCC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws related to the Spirit of Cricket.

“The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi tweeted, explaining that the referee’s behavior did not meet international cricket standards.

The Role of the Match Referee

According to the PCB, referee Andy Pycroft allegedly advised Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with the Indian captain at the toss. This unusual instruction, if true, was seen as highly inappropriate and against the spirit of the game.

The PCB statement read, “The match referee Andy Pycroft had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling this behavior against the spirit of sports.”

Furthermore, Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony as a protest, citing that the host of the ceremony was also an Indian, which added to the discomfort felt by the Pakistani team.

Understanding the Spirit of Cricket

The Spirit of Cricket is a key part of the game. According to the ICC’s Code of Conduct and the preamble to standard playing conditions for Test, ODI, and T20 matches, cricket should not only be played according to laws but also within the spirit of fair play.

Key principles of the Spirit of Cricket include:

• Respect for captains, teammates, opponents, and umpires.

• Playing hard but playing fair.

• Accepting umpire decisions gracefully.

• Encouraging positive conduct among others.

• Showing self-discipline, even in difficult situations.

• Congratulating the opposition for their successes.

By not shaking hands, both at the toss and at the end of the game, the Indian team, according to PCB, violated these basic principles of sportsmanship.

Controversies During the Match

The controversies began even before the first ball was bowled. During the national anthem ceremony, a surprising incident occurred—'Jalebi Baby,' a popular song, played instead of the Indian national anthem. This unusual mistake added to the overall tension and confusion.

At the toss, the handshake refusal by Suryakumar Yadav created further friction. After India’s dominant win, the lack of post-match sportsmanship from Indian players escalated the matter. PCB viewed these actions as deliberate breaches of cricket etiquette and lodged complaints with ICC to ensure proper action is taken.

Reaction from PCB and Officials

Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chairman, has been vocal about the incident. He emphasized that international cricket matches must uphold respect, fair play, and sportsmanship. Naqvi highlighted that Pycroft’s alleged advice to Salman Ali Agha went against the laws and spirit of cricket, and immediate action was necessary to maintain the integrity of the tournament.

The PCB’s official statement underlined the seriousness of the complaint: “The Pakistan Cricket Board has demanded that the ICC immediately remove the match referee from the tournament. This action is necessary to protect the principles of cricket and ensure the Spirit of Cricket is respected in all matches.”

Looking Ahead

Pakistan and India are expected to face each other again in the Super 4s stage of the Asia Cup 2025, provided Pakistan qualifies for the next round. This means tensions could rise once more if proper measures are not taken by the tournament officials.

The ICC is yet to respond publicly to the PCB’s complaint. Fans and cricket analysts are closely watching the situation, as the controversy could have larger implications for player conduct and tournament rules in future matches.

Why This Matters

Cricket is more than just a game; it is a sport that demands respect, fair play, and adherence to its traditions. Incidents like refusing handshakes or ignoring presentation ceremonies go against these values and can create unnecessary friction between teams.

The Asia Cup 2025, which has seen highly competitive matches and rising fan engagement, now faces scrutiny over how officials handle sportsmanship and match conduct. Ensuring that players respect each other and maintain decorum is essential for keeping cricket a beloved global sport.

The India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match has highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and the role of match referees in upholding it. With Pakistan demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft, the ICC faces pressure to address the complaints seriously. As the tournament continues, both teams, officials, and fans are hoping for fair play, respect, and the true spirit of cricket to shine through in the coming matches.

This incident also serves as a reminder to young cricket players, fans, and officials about the significance of respect, teamwork, and positive conduct in sports, showing that cricket is not just about winning but about playing the game the right way.