New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup. Cricbuzz had earlier reported about the likely rejection, which was officially conveyed to the PCB last night.
The PCB had expressed displeasure over Pycroft’s involvement in asking Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s skipper during the toss. However, the ICC clarified that Pycroft acted based on instructions from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials present at the venue, who had already decided that no handshake would take place.
In its formal response, the ICC dismissed Pakistan’s perception that the referee was acting on behalf of the Indian side and stressed that the decision was taken by ACC authorities.