Since its investigation revealed no mistakes on his part, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has assured the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) that it cannot remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the roster of match referees for the current Asia Cup.
The PCB’s formal complaint to the ICC to punish and remove Pycroft from the match referee panel stemmed from the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands after the toss and during the most recent match on Sunday, September 14.
According to Cricbuzz, the ICC has informed the PCB that the match referee has not committed any violation.
By telling Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands after the toss, Pycroft really saved them from embarrassment, according to the ICC statement, which admitted that the international administrative body had carried out its own investigation and rendered a decision.
The ICC emphasised that Pycroft had not broken any match protocol with his choice, despite several allegations to the contrary. Additionally, the body acknowledged that the PCB had every right to file a complaint. They concluded, however, that Pycroft was not at fault. Additionally, it made clear that the ICC has last say on match official selection and that its member boards have no say in the matter.
The ICC stated unequivocally that breaking the rules under duress might have created an incorrect precedent. Following earlier allegations that the squad would not play in the match against the hosts, the United Arab Emirates, on Thursday, September 17, PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi posted on social media that the board has ordered the team to report to the stadium.
In a conference at the Dubai International Stadium, Pycroft, who ultimately remained the referee for the Pakistan-UAE match, called the no-handshake incident “miscommunication” and expressed regret to team manager Naveed Cheema, coach Mike Hesson, and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.
The board claimed in a press release that “ICC’s controversial match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team.”
“During the India-Pakistan game, Andy Pycroft forbade the captains of both teams from shaking hands. Andy Pycroft’s action had prompted a harsh response from the Pakistan Cricket Board.
“Andy Pycroft apologised and described the September 14 event as the consequence of a misunderstanding. The ICC has stated that it is prepared to look into the Code of Conduct infringement that occurred during the September 14 match.
Home