ICC Removes Refree Andy Pycroft After PCB’s Threat to Boycott Asia Cup
ICC bows to PCB pressure, removes Andy Pycroft from Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 matches after handshake row; Richie Richardson steps in as referee.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has agreed to replace match referee Andy Pycroft with Richie Richardson for Pakistan’s fixtures in the Asia Cup 2025, bringing an end to the heated standoff with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
A PCB source confirmed to PTI that Pycroft will not officiate in Pakistan’s last group-stage clash against the UAE on September 17, nor in any of their potential Super 4 games.
The decision follows PCB’s strong protest after the India-Pakistan match in Dubai, where Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts.
PCB had accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation and demanded his removal. The board even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if its request was not accepted, a move that could have cost them USD 16 million in revenue.
After a full day of negotiations, the ICC agreed to the compromise by appointing Richardson for Pakistan’s matches, while Pycroft continues to officiate in the rest of the tournament.
