Andy Pycroft found not guilty amid PCB’s claims about ICC’s “readiness” to investigate matter
(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Clearing the Air: ICC Clears Match Referee in India-Pakistan Handshake Controversy at Asia Cup
The drama surrounding the India-Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup has taken a new turn. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has fully cleared match referee Andy Pycroft of any wrongdoing after Pakistan’s cricket board raised serious allegations. This comes amid a heated row over a no-handshake moment following India’s big win.
It all started on Sunday in Dubai, where India thrashed Pakistan by 7 wickets in a thrilling rivalry match. Tensions were already high due to the strained India-Pakistan relations, sparked by a tragic terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22. That attack, blamed on Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, claimed 26 tourist lives. In the aftermath, India decided to skip the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan players. Pakistan hit back by walking out of the ceremony, calling it disrespectful.
Things escalated quickly when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint against Andy Pycroft. They accused him of breaking ICC Code of Conduct rules and even the spirit of cricket under MCC laws. PCB claimed Pycroft had stopped the captains from shaking hands and demanded an investigation. To drive the point home, PCB threatened to boycott their crucial must-win game against UAE on Wednesday. The team stayed holed up in their hotel right up to toss time, only heading to the ground after getting the green light.
But here’s the twist: ICC sources say they’ve looked into it and found Pycroft not guilty. The former Zimbabwe cricketer did apologize for a mix-up caused by the venue manager, but that’s where it ends—no violations, no further probes. PCB had earlier tweeted that Pycroft admitted to the miscommunication during the September 14 match and that ICC was ready to investigate Code of Conduct issues. However, ICC has firmly denied those claims, stating no such investigation is underway.
PCB is still pushing for answers, but they lack solid proof to back their side. Interestingly, Pycroft is right back on duty as referee for Pakistan’s high-stakes Asia Cup group stage clash against UAE. As the tournament heats up in Dubai, this handshake controversy highlights the deeper India-Pakistan cricket tensions, but for now, the ICC has drawn a line under it.
Cricket fans are watching closely—will this affect the rest of the Asia Cup? Stay tuned for more updates on ICC decisions, Pakistan cricket board actions, and the ongoing India-Pakistan rivalry.
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