The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is standing firm on its demand for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, while the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are actively working to find a compromise.
According to sources, the PCB has refused to soften its position, insisting that Pycroft should no longer officiate in Pakistan’s matches. This tough stance stems from the continuing controversy over his role in the recent India-Pakistan game.
The ACC has initiated efforts to de-escalate the standoff, holding consultations and proposing solutions to the PCB. Indian media reports suggest that the governing body is actively seeking a middle ground to prevent the issue from overshadowing the rest of the tournament.
One potential compromise under discussion is that Andy Pycroft would remain on the referee panel but would not supervise matches involving Pakistan. Instead, former West Indies captain Richie Richardson is being considered as the replacement referee for those fixtures. This arrangement would allow Pycroft to continue officiating in other Asia Cup matches while addressing the PCB’s concerns.
The ICC, which finalizes the appointment of match referees in consultation with the ACC, is also considering this compromise. If an agreement is reached, Richardson would handle Pakistan’s games while Pycroft would cover the others. This comes after the ICC officially rejected the PCB’s initial demand to remove Pycroft, citing that he was simply following instructions from ACC officials regarding a no-handshake policy at the toss.
