Pakistan is angry with match referee Andy Pycroft over the handshake issue against India. They have demanded Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup. Geo News reported that match referee Andy Pycroft is being removed from the remaining matches of Pakistan, if not from the entire tournament. As a result, the Zimbabwean referee will not be seen in the UAE-Pakistan match on Wednesday!
A person involved in this matter told Geo News, ‘Pakistan will take the field against the Emirates after the referee’s removal.’ The Pakistan team’s pre-match press conference has already been canceled in protest.
However, a high-level meeting of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still scheduled to be held to decide on Pakistan’s future participation in the ongoing tournament.
A PCB spokesperson said in a statement that no final decision has been made yet on withdrawing from the Asia Cup. In his words, ‘Discussions are ongoing. A final decision will be taken on Wednesday. However, whatever decision is taken, it will be taken with the interests of Pakistan as the highest priority.’
Earlier, the PCB formally submitted a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC). The complaint states that Pycroft had prohibited the captains of the two teams from shaking hands before the toss in the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and India. It is against the spirit of cricket.
The complaint further states that the customary courtesy handshake between the two teams did not take place after the match.
Geo News was informed that if Pakistan’s demands are not met, they are considering withdrawing from the tournament!
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