In the latest development, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has appointed Pycroft as the match referee for the upcoming India vs Pakistan Super Four clash in the Asia Cup 2025. The high-voltage encounter is scheduled to be played at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 21.
Asia Cup: This appointment comes in the backdrop of a recent controversy involving both teams and Pycroft. During the league-stage clash, tensions flared when Indian players declined to exchange handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the match, citing the Pahalgam terror attack.
Following the incident, the PCB lodged an official complaint against the Indian players as well as Pycroft, alleging that the match referee had instructed their captain not to shake hands with the Indian side.
PCB Demanded ICC to Remove Andy Pycroft from Asia Cup 2025
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025. They even threatened to boycott their fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) if the ICC did not accept their demand. The controversy delayed the game by an hour, sparking widespread debate.
However, the ICC backed Pycroft, who was later reported to have apologised to the PCB. Following discussions involving the ICC, PCB, and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Pycroft retained his role and went on to officiate the Pakistan–UAE clash.
Asia Cup: Looking ahead to the Super Four encounter between India and Pakistan, anticipation is sky-high. Their group-stage meeting ended in a one-sided affair as India bundled Pakistan out for 127 before chasing the target in just 16 overs with seven wickets to spare. With both sides entering the match on the back of victories, fans expect nothing short of an intense battle. India, notably, remain unbeaten in the tournament.