Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan captain, management: PCB

LAHORE: Zimbabwe-based match referee Any Pycroft has apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and team management over the handshake row during the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 blockbuster clash against India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Wednesday.

According to the cricket board, Pycroft termed the incident a result of miscommunication and apologised, while the International Cricket Council (ICC) has expressed ‘willingess’ to conduct an inquiry over the handshake row.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the PCB said in a statement.

“Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board had strongly reacted to Andy Pycroft’s actions.

“Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication and apologized.

“The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match.”

Meanwhile, the national cricketers, alongside the support staff, reached the stadium after the approval from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Pycroft, who was held responsible by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for mishandling the handshake row during the Asia Cup 2025 blockbuster clash between the national team and arch-rivals India, was earlier reported to have left the venue and headed to the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters in Dubai.

But recent developments suggested that Pycroft will officiate the Pakistan-UAE match as per the schedule.

Earlier, PCB announced that the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 match will commence at 7:30 PM local time, with toss scheduled at 7 PM after an hour-long delay.

Meanwhile, the national cricket team has already left for the venue for the aforementioned fixtures.

After the clearance from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the national cricketers were seen boarding the team bus in high spirits and are likely to reach the venue in around 40 minutes.

The development came after Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson Amir Mir had shared that the upcoming Asia Cup 2025 match has been delayed by an hour ahead of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's press conference at the Gaddafi Stadium.

The PCB spokesperson said that the toss for the aforementioned fixture may now take place at 7:30 as per Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while the negotiations were underway.

"We are still in the negotiation phase. The match between Pakistan & UAE has been delayed for one hour. It will now start at 7:30 PST. Hopefully, we will get good news," Mir told reporters.

The announcement came after it was reported that the national team was instructed to stay in the hotel with just less than two hours remaining in the commencement of their final group-stage fixture against UAE.

According to the details, the national team was originally scheduled to leave for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai at 4 PM local time but the players did not come out.

The bus remained stationed for half an hour until sources suggested that the national team has been instructed to stay in the hotel.

Earlier, sources had revealed that preparations have been completed and the match is expected to go ahead as scheduled. 

However, Pakistan will play without match referee Andy Pycroft, as the team does not accept the Zimbabwe official.

Sources indicated that West Indies match referee Richie Richardson could possibly be appointed for the Pakistan-UAE game.

Insiders added that Pakistan would only take the field if Pycroft is replaced, following the controversy that had overshadowed Sunday’s high-profile clash against India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has held Pycroft responsible for mishandling the situation and is firm in its demand for his removal.

Meanwhile, the team management has yet to receive any official communication from the International Cricket Council (ICC) on the matter.

Sources suggested that if Pakistan’s request is rejected, the team may consider withdrawing from the tournament entirely.

The controversy arose during the India-Pakistan clash when the customary pre- and post-match handshakes were skipped. 

India captain Suryakumar Yadav and teammate Shivam Dube congratulated each other and their dugout but avoided greeting the Pakistani players. In response, Pakistan players only shook hands among themselves before leaving the field. 

Tensions also extended to the post-match presentation ceremony, which Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha chose not to attend.

Despite the tensions, the Pakistan men’s team has resumed training at the ICC Academy ahead of their must-win fixture against UAE, although their scheduled pre-match press conference was abruptly cancelled.

Furthermore, the PCB has sent a second letter to the ICC after its initial request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft was rejected. 

PCB has taken a firm stance, rejecting the ICC’s decision not to act against Pycroft. Sources said Pakistan will not play any match under his supervision and will continue their boycott if their demand is not met.

Sources added that the ICC is facing increasing difficulties in managing the situation, with an official announcement expected soon.

Meanwhile, team India has already qualified for the Super Four stage after winning two matches. UAE’s recent win over Oman ended Oman’s campaign, confirming India’s spot.

The second qualifier from Group A will be decided on Wednesday, when Pakistan faces UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Pakistan currently holds an advantage due to a better net run rate.