The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft. This decision comes just before Pakistan’s crucial group-stage match against hosts UAE on Wednesday, creating high tension. As a result, Pakistan has threatened to boycott the game in protest.

ICC Stands Firm Against PCB’s Plea

The controversy began during the high-pressure India-Pakistan clash on Sunday, September 14. According to the PCB, Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss.

Furthermore, the PCB alleged that Pycroft prevented the usual exchange of team sheets between the captains before the match. This move, they claimed, violated the spirit of cricket.

However, late Monday night, the ICC firmly responded to Pakistan’s complaint. An ICC source told PTI, “Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won’t be removed and their plea has been rejected.”

Consequently, Pycroft will continue to officiate and is set to oversee Pakistan’s final group-stage match against the UAE. Now, all eyes are on whether Pakistan will play or follow through on their threat to withdraw.

PCB Escalates the Issue

Initially, team manager Naved Cheema filed a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). In it, he accused Pycroft of causing the handshake controversy and breaking protocol by blocking the team sheet exchange.

Later, the PCB escalated matters by warning that they would pull out of the tournament if the ICC did not take immediate action. If Pakistan goes ahead with the boycott, the UAE will receive a walkover. This would automatically qualify the hosts for the Super 4 stage, while Pakistan would be eliminated.

Internal Turmoil Within PCB

Meanwhile, the controversy has sparked internal chaos within the PCB. Reports suggest that the issue arose due to poor communication inside the board. Director of Cricket Operations Usman Walha allegedly failed to brief Salman Ali Agha about the tournament’s rules and regulations.

As a result, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as ACC chief, reacted strongly. On Monday, he ordered Walha’s immediate dismissal for causing embarrassment to the team and its captain.

Pycroft’s Experience and ICC’s Position

Despite Pakistan’s protest, the ICC remains firm in its stance. Pycroft is one of the most experienced officials in world cricket, having overseen 695 international matches.

Therefore, the ICC’s rejection of PCB’s plea signals its trust in Pycroft’s professionalism. Moreover, it indicates that the governing body will not allow external pressure to influence its decisions.

Ultimately, Pakistan now faces a critical choice — to compete and fight for a Super 4 spot on the field or risk elimination by sticking to its protest.