DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 over the handshake controversy during the Pakistan-India clash.
The dispute arose at the toss, where both captains skipped the traditional handshake — an omission reportedly instructed by Pycroft.
In its complaint, the PCB termed the directive a breach of the spirit of cricket and contrary to the MCC’s laws.
“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 stated in its letter. It further emphasised that Pycroft “failed to fulfil his responsibilities as match referee” and violated the ICC Code of Conduct.
More to come…
