PCB demands removal of match referee Pycroft

PCB Demands Removal of Match Referee Pycroft

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated the situation in the Asia Cup by demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the panel of match referees for the tournament.

PCB's Grievance

The PCB has lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding violations by the match referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB's primary grievance is that Pycroft became a party to one side and instructed the captains not to shake hands.

Threat of Boycott

The PCB has threatened to boycott its next game against the UAE on September 17 if its demand for the removal of Pycroft is not met. Pycroft is the designated match referee for the Pakistan-UAE game.

PCB Chief's Comments

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has commented on the Indian team's behavior, saying it was "utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports."

Pycroft's Background

Pycroft (69) has been at the centre of controversy for allegedly not acting on the PCB's protest against the Indian team, which refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players after they beat the arch-rivals by seven wickets at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.