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LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected Indian media reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down its demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.
The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.
While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.
“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.
The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”
READ: Ricky Ponting clears the air on viral India-Pakistan no-handshake comment
