Sources reveal that Pakistan has warned it will pull out of the remaining matches in the Asia Cup 2025 if match referee Andy Pycroft is not replaced immediately.

According to insiders, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a strong protest over the referee s conduct and formally demanded his removal from the tournament. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that an official complaint has been lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of actions that violate the spirit of the game.

Naqvi stated that the match referee breached the ICC Code of Conduct and that the PCB has formally requested Pycroft’s immediate dismissal from the Asia Cup. This comes after a detailed letter was sent to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), highlighting serious concerns over events that took place during the high-stakes India vs. Pakistan match — the sixth match of the Asia Cup 2025.

According to sources, the protest was prompted by inappropriate behavior from the Indian team and multiple violations of cricketing rules and protocols. The letter states that at the toss, match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Agha Salman that no handshake would be allowed.

Also Read: PCB sends strong protest letter to ICC and MCC over Asia Cup controversy

Moreover, it is reported that Pycroft had previously told Pakistan’s media manager that the incident should not be recorded, raising further concerns about transparency and fairness.

The PCB has reiterated that unless action is taken, it will reconsider its participation in the ongoing tournament.