During Pakistan’s match against India, there was a whole fuss about handshakes. The Pakistan camp says Indian players refused the usual pre and post match handshakes, and that Pycroft, the match referee, told Babar Azam not to go for one at the toss. The PCB felt that crossed the line, so they went to the ICC and asked for Pycroft to be taken off their remaining games.
The ICC did not agree. Their position is that Pycroft did not do anything outside his job, and that there was just some miscommunication. He apparently even apologized to Pakistan’s team, admitting the whole thing could have been handled better. But the demand to replace him? That was rejected.
Things got tense before Pakistan’s next game against the UAE. The start was delayed because the team seemed unwilling to play if Pycroft was still in charge. Eventually they did play, but with him still officiating. So, despite all the headlines saying he “won’t officiate,” the latest credible reporting suggests he is still in the role.
Pakistan’s board and former players are upset because they see him as too close to India, pointing out how often he ends up refereeing India’s matches. Whether that is bias or just coincidence is up for debate, but the perception clearly matters. The ICC has said if Pakistan can produce real evidence of misconduct, they will investigate.
So, Pakistan wanted Pycroft gone, the ICC said no, and he is still on duty for their games unless something changes. It is less about rules now and more about optics, politics, and whether the PCB keeps pushing the issue.
