The dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft during the India-Pakistan match is now nearing its end. The PCB had written several letters to the ICC demanding Pycroft's removal from the Asia Cup matches. However, the ICC clarified that Pycroft did not violate any rules. Meanwhile, a new report has revealed what happened before the toss in the Group A match played in Dubai.
Pycroft Received Information Just Before the Toss
New information has emerged regarding the handshake controversy surrounding the India-Pakistan match. According to an ESPN Cricinfo report, match referee Andy Pycroft was informed of the 'no handshake' protocol only four minutes before the toss. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager informed Pycroft just before he left the field that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha would not shake hands after the toss, a message from the BCCI and approved by the Indian government.
Pycroft made a decision based on the circumstances.
Pycroft immediately relayed this message to Pakistan captain Salman to avoid any embarrassment on the field. Pycroft did not have time to inform the ICC, so he decided to inform Pakistani captain Salman directly, avoiding embarrassment on the field. This clearly indicates that Pycroft was trying to shield Pakistan from the controversy. The PCB later complained to the ICC about the matter, but the governing body of cricket rejected the PCB's request, stating that Pycroft had made the right decision given the circumstances.
PCB's Complaint and Controversy
Following the defeat to India, the Pakistan Cricket Board complained to the ICC that Pycroft had violated the Code of Conduct and should be immediately removed from his duties as match referee. The PCB even threatened to forfeit the match against the UAE if Pycroft was not removed. However, the governing body of cricket rejected the PCB's demand, stating that Pycroft had made the right decision given the circumstances. Unhappy with the ICC's response, Pakistan again staged a drama, delaying the start of their match against the UAE by nearly an hour.
Pycroft's Response and 'Apology'
The PCB claimed that Pycroft apologized to the Pakistani manager and captain. However, it later became clear that Pycroft had only expressed "regret for the misunderstanding" and not admitted to violating any rules. The ICC also clarified to the PCB that Pycroft had not violated any protocol. If he had the time, he would have informed the ICC.
ICC Warns PCB
Following the controversy, the ICC issued a warning to the PCB. The ICC believes the Pakistan team violated the rules by sharing meeting footage on social media before the match against the UAE. The board has been advised to ensure such actions are not repeated in the future. Furthermore, the ICC is considering taking action against the Pakistan team for violating the rules and causing drama.
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