PCB'sstated apology from Andy Pycroft deemed untrue following revelations of suppressed evidence, with sources declaring unequivocally... "There was no doubt..."
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has concluded its investigation into the controversial incident that occurred during the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and India, finding no case to answer against match referee Andy Pycroft.
The controversy arose when Pycroft reportedly asked the two captains not to shake hands at the toss, a decision that sparked a furore and led the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to demand his suspension from the tournament and even threaten to pull out.
However, the ICC has maintained that it is not the role of the Match Referee to regulate team or tournament specific protocols, and Pycroft's actions were consistent with how a match referee would handle such an issue, as per directions from the Asian Cricket Council Venue Manager.
The PCB lodged a complaint against Pycroft, alleging that he sparked a controversy by asking the two captains not to shake hands. No supporting documentation or evidence was provided with the PCB's report. After the first plea was rejected, the PCB filed a second complaint.
The PCB claimed that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team on Wednesday, but a fresh media report has exposed this claim as false. According to a report in the Times of India, Pycroft did not actually apologize but spoke to the Pakistan camp regarding the possible miscommunication which happened.
The PCB had the opportunity to submit statements from its team members alongside the initial report but chose not to. In its six-point rebuttal to the PCB, the ICC maintained that the board's complaints were baseless.
A muted video circulated on social media showed Pycroft in conversation with the Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, and head coach Mike Hesson in the match referee's room at the Dubai International Stadium.
The PCB held an elaborate meeting at home, which included former chairpersons Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi coming together with incumbent office bearer Mohsin Naqvi. Despite the controversy, the ICC did not officially reverse the appointment of match referee Andy Pycroft because it rejected the PCB's demand to replace him.
In conclusion, the ICC has found no fault in the actions of match referee Andy Pycroft and has maintained that the PCB's complaints were baseless. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of clear communication and adherence to protocols in high-stakes cricket matches.
