ICC Agrees to Replace Match Referee Andy Pycroft in Pakistan Games After Controversy

Richie Richardson is Named as the Replacement of Andy Pycroft for Pakistan's Asia Cup Game against the UAE

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has removed Andy Pycroft from officiating any Pakistan fixtures in the Asia Cup 2025. Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had formally complained to the ICC, highlighting match referee Andy Pycroft’s role in violating the Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. 

Allegedly, he allowed Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav to avoid the customary handshake at the toss with opponent captain Salman Ali Agha. The decision to replace the match referee is viewed as a middle-ground resolution after controversy over his neutrality.

Decisions by ICC

In a major update ahead of Pakistan’s do-or-die Asia Cup group stage match against the UAE, a PCB insider confirmed that match referee Andy Pycroft will be replaced, following a settlement reached with the ICC. 

The former West Indies captain and seasoned ICC match referee, Richie Richardson, will host the match. After initially rejecting PCB’s request, ICC reconsidered the decision to “maintain harmony and avoid further controversy,” as mentioned by a senior official.

The Post-match Controversy

Sunday’s high-profile match between India and Pakistan ended sourly with the men in blue declining to shake hands with their opponents in an act of paying tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. 

The PCB formally demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating upcoming Pakistan fixtures in the tournament, citing violations of rules and regulations. The tension raised when PCB reportedly decided to withdraw participation from the Asia Cup 2025.

The handshake drama started at the customary captains’ press meet, where Surya Kumar Yadav ignored a handshake with Salman Ali Agha, just before the first match.

A Day of Uncertainty & Speculation  

Despite daily group matches, the focus stayed on Pakistani players. On the field, the players didn’t come for practice raising questions about withdrawing participation from the tournament. A pre-match press conference was also cancelled. However, the team came late on the ground and was seen in noticeably ‘relaxed’ mood. Instead of a high-intensity session, men in green were spotted engaging in a traditional football passing routine. 

Throughout the practice session, no Pakistani player was seen near the Indian nets. Cricket fans, who have earlier seen handshake, laugh exchange, and customary hug between Indian and Pakistani players, this is a completely new era. The separation between the two teams showcases ongoing political and diplomatic turmoil. 

The closed-door negotiations were still on between the ICC and PCB. Reportedly, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also Pakistan’s interior minister, had a long meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif earlier in the day. The dramatic day ended with a "middle-of-the-road" solution, as confirmed by a senior PCB official.

Previously, Pakistan boycotted Asia Cup participation in 1990 and 1993, citing deteriorating relationship with New Delhi. However, the situation is different in this era, where fan engagement and satellite rights play huge roles. Withdrawing from a tournament like the Asia Cup would have cost them a loss of $16 million in revenue.