ICC stands firm, appoints Pycroft for Ind-Pak

Despite repeated protests from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the International Cricket Council (ICC) has retained Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycroft for Sunday’s high-stakes India-Pakistan Super 4 encounter, signaling its firm support for the seasoned official.

“Andy Pycroft is the match referee for the Indo-Pak game,” a tournament source confirmed to PTI. The complete list of match officials for Sunday has not been made public. Former West Indies captain Richie Richardson is the other match referee in the Asia Cup.

Pycroft found himself at the center of controversy last Sunday when India’s policy decision not to shake hands with Pakistan sparked tensions at the toss. The PCB had sent two emails requesting his removal first from the tournament and then specifically from their matches but both requests were rejected.

The ICC clarified that Pycroft had merely relayed instructions from the designated Venue Manager of the Asian Cricket Council, acting as a messenger with only minutes to spare before the match. A subsequent meeting between Pycroft and the Pakistan management, including captain Salman, head coach Mike Hesson, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema, saw him express that he “regretted the miscommunication.”

While the ICC emphasized that Pycroft never apologized, it also raised concerns about alleged PCB breaches of protocols in the Players and Match Officials Area, which the board denied.

By reappointing Pycroft for the marquee Indo-Pak clash, the ICC has made clear that it will not bow to board pressure, underlining the authority of its Elite Panel referees and reinforcing the principle that match officials must be free to enforce protocols without external influence.