18 Sep 2025: A tense off-field saga in the Asia Cup 2025 involving Pakistan, match referee Andy Pycroft, and the ICC (International Cricket Council) has now moved into a calmer phase — thanks to a mediated meeting, emails, and what is being called an “apology for miscommunication.” Here’s a detailed look at the events as revealed by ICC insiders and media sources, especially around the closed-door meeting between Pakistan team officials and Pycroft.
The Trigger: What Set It All Off
- The controversy began during the India vs Pakistan match on September 14, 2025, at the toss. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, didn’t shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha. The customary exchange of team sheets was also skipped. PCB (the Pakistan Cricket Board) claimed that Pycroft had instructed that there be no handshake and that team sheets should not be exchanged. PCB alleged this violated the Spirit of Cricket and the ICC Code of Conduct.
- India’s captain explained that the refusal to shake hands was meant as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
Pakistan’s Reaction & Threats
- Following the match, PCB lodged formal complaints with the ICC, demanding that Pycroft be removed from his duties in the Asia Cup, alleging misconduct.
- Pakistan threatened to withdraw from their very next match (vs UAE) if Pycroft was not replaced. The team did not leave their hotel at the originally scheduled departure time for the UAE match. This created uncertainty over whether Pakistan would even play.
ICC’s Initial Assessment
- The ICC reviewed the PCB’s complaints quickly. According to insider sources, they found no violation of the Code of Conduct or the Spirit of Cricket by Pycroft. The ICC maintains that Pycroft was following instructions he had received (from tournament organisers / venue management) with a view to avoid any “information asymmetry” or embarrassing situation.
- In other words, Pycroft’s role was seen not as instigating the incident, but as attempting to manage a sensitive situation.
The Meeting: Pycroft, Pakistan Officials & Aftermath
- On September 17, 2025, prior to Pakistan’s game against UAE, a closed-door meeting took place in the referee’s room at Dubai International Stadium. Attendees included Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, and coach Mike Hesson.
- During this meeting, Pycroft expressed regret for any miscommunication that may have occurred. He clarified that he had only passed on instructions from the venue management. He did not admit to violating any code of conduct, according to ICC sources.
- PCB later issued a statement saying Pycroft apologised to the captain and manager for the miscommunication. Some media reports interpreted this as an admission; others emphasise that the apology was limited in scope (i.e., for miscommunication, not for wrongdoing).
- A video of the meeting was released by PCB, but notably, the audio was muted. This has led to debate over exactly what was said and the precise nature of Pycroft’s apology.
Resolution & What Came Next
- The ICC has asked PCB for more specific evidence if they want to pursue a formal investigation into Code of Conduct violations. As of the latest reports, PCB has not submitted enough specifics publicly to force such an inquiry.
- The ICC reaffirmed its stance that match officials cannot be changed just because a team demands it; doing so would set a precedent.
City-Level / Venue Impacts (Dubai, Asia Cup Setting)
- Dubai International Stadium saw delays: Pakistan players did not leave the hotel on time, creating uncertainty. Stadium logistics, broadcast schedules, and match start timings were affected.
- Local organizing committees, liaison officers, security and traffic planning had to adjust due to delays. Spectators (both in person and via television) were impacted since the toss was delayed and warm-ups compressed.
- Media presence was heavy; Pakistani media circulated the muted video. There has been increased scrutiny of match referees’ roles in politically sensitive matches, especially when customary practices (like handshakes) get entangled in political or diplomatic overtones.
Summary
Andy Pycroft met Pakistan officials over India-Pakistan “no handshake” controversy; ICC found no misconduct, PCB got apology limited to miscommunication, match resumed with Pycroft remaining referee.