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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi on Wednesday said that the ‘nation’s honour is preserved’ after Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to Pakistan cricket team manager and captain.
Addressing the media in a press conference alongside former PCB chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, Naqvi emphasized that cricket must remain free from politics, stressing that the game should not be turned into a political platform.
“Our focus should be on cricket, not politics. Sports and politics cannot go hand in hand; let’s keep cricket as a sport only,” Naqvi said.
“I consulted with former chairmen Najam Sethi and Ramiz Raja regarding the situation. Thank God, Pakistan’s honour has been preserved, and now we expect the team to perform at their best,” he added.
Former PCB chairman Najam Sethi echoed Naqvi’s views, stating that cricket has won.
“Our stance has always been that politics should not interfere in sports. This has been our clear position from the start. Cricket has won, and we must continue the game. We accepted the apology in the spirit of sportsmanship.”
Ramiz Raja, meanwhile, called it a victory for Pakistan, stressing on team performance.
“This is a victory for Pakistan. Whatever emotions were hurt, the focus now must be on team performance. Cricket should remain cricket, not a political platform. Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field,” Raja stated.
For context, match referee Andy Pycroft apologised before the toss of Pakistan-UAE to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain after the recent handshake row.
Acknowledging the incident of 14 September, Pycroft termed it a “miscommunication” and expressed regret over the matter.
Pycroft had previously instructed both captains not to shake hands during the high-profile India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash, a move that sparked outrage from the PCB.
READ: Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, manager: PCB
