As the International Cricket Council (ICC) considers the Pakistan Cricket Board‘s (PCB) request to have match referee Andy Pycroft removed, there is still uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup. The international body is reportedly not ready to set a precedent by altering a match official under duress, despite the PCB’s second letter to the ICC restating its demand. A meeting was in progress in Dubai at the time of writing.
As previously reported, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) officials tried to resolve the Pycroft situation, but it was a late night affair. However, no real progress has been made, with all sides seemingly holding to their positions, and Pakistan’s final match—a simulated knockout game—just hours away.
Previously, it was thought that a compromise had been reached, with the Emirates board, the tournament’s de facto hosts, playing a big part. Pycroft would have been removed from the roster for Wednesday’s match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, but he would have remained in the tournament as per the agreed-upon agreement. For the match, Richie Richardson, the other ICC referee on the panel, was proposed as a substitute. Whether this deal has been approved or not is still unknown.
Following the PCB’s strong stance of threatening to withdraw due to Pycroft’s alleged support for India during the September 14 battle between the bitter rivals, which also included the handshake scandal, some face-saving measures were required.
After the ICC turned down the PCB’s demand, things became more heated.
Top UAE board officials are said to have intervened to negotiate between the PCB and the ICC as the possibility of Pakistan withdrawing from the tournament loomed.
They allegedly contended that the issue might become difficult for all parties involved because tickets had already been sold and sponsors and broadcasters had committed. Cricbuzz has requested comments from the Emirates board, the PCB, and the ICC.
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