ICC Likely to Reject PCB's Demand to Replace Match Referee Pycroft

The handshake row happened during the match between India and Pakistan, where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upset that Indian players and management didn’t shake hands with them at the end of the match..

The PCB has officially complained to the ICC, calling out the match referee for violating the ICC Code of Conduct and Spirit of Cricket. Chairman Naqvi said the board has demanded that the referee, Andy Pycroft, be removed from the Asia Cup, citing also the Indian players’ refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players as a breach of conduct.

PCB Pushes for Pycroft's Removal, Threatens to Boycott UAE Match

However, the ICC is yet to issue an official response, and as reported by Cricbuzz, it's unlikely that the council will proceed on the PCB’s complaints to remove Andy Pycroft from the tournament.

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But the situation has taken a tense turn, with Pakistan reportedly threatening to skip their September 17 clash against the UAE if their demand isn’t met. Interestingly, Pycroft is the appointed match referee for that game, adding to the uncertainty hanging over the Asia Cup.

Despite all the noise and public posturing, the PCB hasn’t formally reached out to the MCC — the guardians of the game’s laws. While the board has invoked the 'Spirit of Cricket' in its complaint, there's been no official word sent to the MCC.

Interestingly, the MCC’s guidelines make it clear: handshakes, though encouraged, aren’t mandatory. The preamble simply urges players to show respect and thank opponents and officials after a match — a recommendation, not a rule.

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Here’s what the Spirit of Cricket chapter says:

• Respect lies at the heart of the Spirit of Cricket.
• Show respect to your captain, teammates, opponents, and the umpires' authority.
• Compete with intensity, but always with fairness.
• Accept umpiring decisions without argument.
• Lead by example, set a positive tone, and inspire others to do the same.
• Stay disciplined, even when things don’t go your way.
• Acknowledge and applaud the opposition’s good moments, and celebrate your own team’s success.
• At the end of the match, thank the officials and opponent, regardless of the result.

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