An undated picture of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. — Screengrab through Fb@icc
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja launched a stinging criticism of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, questioning his neutrality after the controversial handshake row within the Asia Cup.
Addressing a press convention in Lahore on Wednesday, Raja alleged that Pycroft had been a “fixture” in India’s matches. “What’s interesting is […] Andy Pycroft is favourite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he’s always a permanent fixture over there,” he mentioned.
Raja pointed to statistics, highlighting that Pycroft had officiated in additional than 90 matches involving India.
“This is something blatant for me because though I thought he had refereed several matches, stats seemingly show something one-sided. It should not be like this. This is a neutral platform, which is why there are referees and match officials. However, I felt that he was fixed there. But I hope that better sense prevails,” he remarked.
His feedback got here after Pycroft apologised to Pakistan over his function in instructing each skippers to not shake arms in the course of the September 14 conflict between Pakistan and India.
The PCB confirmed that Pycroft had apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and the group supervisor, calling the incident a results of “miscommunication”. The ICC, in the meantime, has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the matter.
The incident had left a bitter style. Not solely did India’s captain keep away from a handshake on the toss, however the identical conduct was repeated after the match, when gamers historically line as much as shake arms. Whereas Indian gamers congratulated one another on the dugout, they shunned acknowledging the Pakistan aspect and closed their dressing room doorways.
Pakistan’s gamers, who had lined up anticipating the customary change, had been left ready. India’s victorious skipper Suryakumar later defended the transfer, saying it was taken in accordance with directions from his authorities and cricket board.
The fallout has been extreme. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who additionally heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), condemned the choice, calling it towards the spirit of the sport. In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony, breaking from broadcast norms the place captains are required to talk.
