ICC annoy PCB again ahead of India-Pakistan Super 4s clash

The International Cricket Council (ICC) is doing its best to annoy the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) as controversial Match Referee Andy Pycroft has once again been assigned for the upcoming India-Pakistan showdown in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup on Sunday.

Pycroft was the Match Referee during the previous meeting between the arch-rivals, where the Indian cricket team refused to perform the customary handshake with the opposition, causing confusion in the Pakistan corner. The PCB accused Pycroft of violating the ‘Spirit of the Game’ code and demanded his removal.

In his defence, Pycroft said he was informed about the Indian team’s decision not to shake hands only a few minutes before the match. Pycroft reportedly told the Pakistan team management, comprising captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson and manager Naveed Akram Cheema, that he ‘regretted the miscommunication’.

However, the PCB insisted that Pycroft be removed from Paksitan’s next match against the UAE. ICC was not swayed and the Zimbabwean remained in the position. The Pakistan players had threatened to boycott the match against the UAE, but eventually gave in.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team has decided not to participate in the pre-match press conference, allegedly in protest of Pycroft continuing in his role. The India-Pakistan Super 4s match will be played in Dubai, starting at 8 pm.