Andy Pycroft, the Zimbabwean former cricketer, will return as the match referee for the high-stakes Super Fours clash between India and Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup 2025.
This comes just days after Pycroft’s controversial role in the September 14 encounter between the two bitter rivals, which was overshadowed by a heated handshake dispute.
The drama began during the group stage match, where India triumphed over Pakistan. Prior to the match, Pycroft had reportedly instructed Pakistan’s vice-captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss.
This decision set the tone for the match, and tensions between the two teams were palpable.
After the game, as the Pakistan team stood in expectation of sportsmanship from their Indian counterparts, Suryakumar Yadav, who had played the final shot of the match, notably did not extend his hand to any of the Pakistani players.
Instead, he proceeded to enter the dressing room, leaving the Pakistan players standing in the field, feeling snubbed.
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In response, Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, recorded a formal protest and refused to participate in the post-match presentation and press conference.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) subsequently wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding that Pycroft be removed from officiating any future matches of Pakistan in the tournament.
Despite the PCB’s request, the ICC did not take immediate action.
As a result, Pakistan’s match against the UAE on September 18 was delayed by an hour, with tensions running high.
According to PCB officials, the situation was only resolved after Pycroft issued an apology to the Pakistani team management and captain Salman Ali Agha.
Pakistan went on to win the match against the UAE and secured their place in the Super Fours.
Now, with a crucial rematch against India on September 21, all eyes will once again be on the two teams, as well as the referee, Andy Pycroft, whose handling of the previous controversy will be scrutinized once more.
As the Super Fours clash approaches, it remains to be seen whether the focus will remain on the game itself, or if the off-field issues will continue to dominate the headlines.
