India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Dubai has created a big controversy. After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team did not shake hands with the Pakistan players. Instead, they dedicated the win to the armed forces after Operation Sindoor, which came in response to the terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 tourists.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reacted strongly. It filed a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The PCB said that match referee Andy Pycroft told both captains before the toss not to shake hands. Now, they want Pycroft removed from the Asia Cup. The complaint was sent to ICC General Manager Wasim Khan.
Who is Andy Pycroft?
Andy Pycroft is a former cricketer from Zimbabwe. He later became one of the most senior match referees in world cricket. As a player, his career was short. He played just three Test matches and 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe.
Still, he made a name for himself with a memorable century of 104 runs against an Australian B side that included stars like Shane Warne and Steve Waugh.
After retirement, Pycroft stayed in cricket. He coached Zimbabwe’s Under-19 team, worked as a selector, and even briefly coached the national team. But he resigned during the 2003 World Cup because of disagreements over team selection.
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Andy Pycroft: Role as Referee
Since 2009, Pycroft has been an ICC match referee. Over time, he has built a reputation as one of the most respected officials in the game. He has officiated in 103 Test matches, making him the fourth most experienced referee in Test cricket history.
Pycroft also has a long link with Indian cricket. His Test debut in Harare in 1992 was against India, where he scored 39 and 46. Recently, he was the referee during India’s 2024-25 tour of Australia when Nitish Kumar Reddy scored his first Test century.
Andy Pycroft: Why PCB Wants Him Removed?
The PCB believes Pycroft’s instructions before the toss played a role in the post-match incident. While the ICC has not yet given a reply, the complaint has added more fuel to the heated India vs Pakistan rivalry.
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Officials in the Crossfire
Referees not only manage the rules of the game but also face traditions, controversies, and politics. As cricket is mixed with national pride, officials like Andy Pycroft will have more challenges and criticism.
This case shows how referees often get dragged into big rivalries. In India vs Pakistan matches, emotions run high, and even small actions can cause big arguments.
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