The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stepped up its protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, formally requesting the International Cricket Council (ICC) not to appoint him for the upcoming home series against South Africa in October.
According to sources, the PCB wrote to the ICC demanding a new referee, citing Pycroft’s “partial conduct” in recent tournaments. The move follows controversy during the Asia Cup, where Pycroft allegedly stopped Pakistan and India’s captains from shaking hands, drawing widespread criticism.
The situation escalated further as Pakistan’s Ministry of Interior reportedly banned Pycroft from entering the country, strengthening the board’s demand. “We cannot compromise on the spirit of the game or the dignity of our country,” PCB officials stated.
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The October series against South Africa is expected to attract significant global attention, making the referee issue a high-stakes matter for both cricketing and diplomatic reasons.
Earlier, the PCB also lodged complaints with both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and undermining cricket’s traditions.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated that the board has zero tolerance for actions damaging the game’s integrity, insisting Pycroft’s removal was necessary for fair play.