Ind vs Pak: Setback for PCB, ICC rejects demand to remove match referee; What will Pakistan do now?

Posted on 16th Sep 2025 by rohit kumar

The ICC has formally rejected the demand of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) regarding the 'no handshake' controversy in the Asia Cup 2025. The PCB had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament, but the ICC has made it clear that he will continue in his role.

 

This whole matter arose after the Indian team's crushing defeat by 7 wickets, when the players of Team India did not shake hands with the Pakistani players.

 

Angered by this, the PCB complained about the match referee to the ACC and ICC. Not only this, the PCB had also said that if the ICC does not accept Pakistan's demand, then they will boycott the tournament, that is, they will not play in the match against the UAE on September 17.

 

In such a situation, now the ICC source has now informed the news agency PTI that the ICC has rejected this demand of the PCB. Now it remains to be seen what the Pakistan cricket team will do.

 

ICC's clear answer to PCB

 

Actually, PCB's displeasure was about the fact that match referee Andy Pycroft had forbidden Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha from shaking hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss, but ICC has clarified in its reply that this decision was not personal to the referee.

 

ACC officials present on the ground had already informed Pycroft that there would be no handshake at the toss.

 

At the same time, PCB, angry with this behavior of the match referee, had complained to the ICC. Also, it was demanded that match referee Andy be removed from the tournament, but the ICC rejected this demand.

 

What if Pakistan's team boycotts?

 

If Pakistan's team boycotts the Asia Cup (If Pakistan follows their Boycott what will happen?) i.e. does not play the match against UAE, then UAE will benefit from this and it will qualify for the Super-4. At the same time, due to the boycott, Pakistan's team will be directly out of the Asia Cup 2025.

 

Pakistan's team is currently in second place in the Asia Cup 2025 Group-A points table with two points after winning one out of two matches.

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