The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating rules linked to the “Spirit of Cricket” during Sunday’s Asia Cup game between Pakistan and India.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed the move on Monday, stating that the board has demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from the tournament. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket,” Naqvi posted on X.
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The protest follows Pakistan’s seven-wicket loss to India, where spinners, led by Kuldeep Yadav, dominated the match. The defeat marked the neighbors’ first meeting on the field since their military conflict in May.
Tensions flared after Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha reportedly skipped the post-match presentation in protest. According to the team’s spokesperson, Pycroft had allegedly instructed Salman at the toss not to shake hands with the Indian captain — an action the PCB described as “against the spirit of sportsmanship.”
Pakistan’s team management formally raised objections, calling for accountability. The ICC has yet to issue an official response to the complaint.
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