Pakistan’s long-running tussle with match referee Andy Pycroft has spilled over from the Asia Cup to their upcoming home Test series against South Africa, as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) refused to allow the Zimbabwean official to oversee the matches, sources told Telecom Asia Sport (www.telecomasia.net).
Pycroft was appointed as match referee for the two-match Test series in Pakistan against South Africa but the PCB refused to host him and got him swapped with Sri Lankan Ranjan Madugalle.
Pycroft, instead, officiated in the India vs West Indies Test series in India.
Asia Cup Incident Sparked the Rift
The 69-year-old former Zimbabwe allrounder reportedly fell out with Pakistan during the Asia Cup in Dubai. During the September 14 match against India, Pycroft allegedly told Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to expect a handshake from Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.
That remark infuriated the PCB, which accused Pycroft of siding with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and acting under Indian influence.
PCB Demanded His Removal
In protest, the PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, sparking a standoff. Pakistan even refused to play their next match against the UAE and threatened to pull out of the tournament.
The deadlock was broken only after a meeting between Pycroft, PCB officials, captain Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and team manager Naveed Cheema, where the referee expressed regret over the incident. Pakistan then agreed to play, though the match was delayed by an hour.
ICC to Discuss PCB’s Confrontational Approach
Sources said the ICC Board will take up Pakistan’s repeated confrontations and strong-arm tactics in its next meeting, where Pycroft’s case is expected to be discussed in detail.
