LAHORE ( The COW News Digital) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated its standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over match referee Andy Pycroft, insisting that he be removed from officiating Pakistan’s matches or face a potential boycott.
According to sources, the PCB has written a second formal letter to the ICC, reiterating its demand for Pycroft’s removal after what it described as a series of controversial decisions during the ongoing Asia Cup. The PCB rejected the ICC’s earlier decision to retain Pycroft and criticized the inquiry process into the matter as “incomplete” and “procedurally flawed.”
In the strongly worded letter, Pakistan made it clear that its team would refuse to participate in any match overseen by Pycroft, warning that failure to address the issue would leave them with no choice but to stand firm on a boycott. The board also expressed dissatisfaction with the ICC’s investigation, claiming that it had failed to review all relevant evidence or consult key stakeholders involved.
Reports from Indian media suggest that the ICC has now agreed to remove Pycroft from officiating Pakistan’s remaining matches, though an official announcement has yet to be made. Sources indicate that a formal decision is expected later today, and ICC is under pressure to issue a clear statement to avoid further disruption to the tournament schedule.
PCB officials have stressed that they want all concerns addressed before confirming Pakistan’s participation in upcoming matches. “Our stance is principled – we want fairness and transparency in officiating,” one PCB source stated, adding that Pakistan will only proceed once the ICC formally acknowledges their concerns and announces a replacement.
The controversy has added tension to an already high-stakes Asia Cup, with fans and analysts closely watching how the ICC manages the situation. A failure to resolve the issue could spark further disputes and cast a shadow over the tournament.
