Who is match referee Andy Pycroft, and why does PCB object to him?
Asia Cup: Who is match referee Andy Pycroft, and why does PCB object to him?: India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in the Asia Cup match. However, more than the match, the symbolic boycott of Indian players was discussed. Indian players returned to the pavilion without shaking hands with Pakistani players and closed the door of the dressing room. After this incident, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) sent a complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) that match referee Andy Pycroft had told Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands during the toss and demanded his removal from the Asia Cup. However, ICC rejected PCB’s demand. Let’s know who Pycroft is and what is the whole matter.
PCB demanded from ICC
PCB had officially demanded the removal of Pycroft from Asia Cup due to this incident. They have sent a complaint to ICC General Manager Wasim Khan that Pycroft gave such instructions during the match which could be against the true spirit of the game. PCB even threatened that if Pycroft is not removed, then they will boycott the match against UAE.
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ICC rejected PCB’s demand
However, once again they had to face defeat in front of ICC. ICC has replied to PCB and said that Pycroft will continue in Asia Cup. 69-year-old Pycroft will also play the role of referee in Pakistan’s last group-stage match against UAE on Wednesday. Pycroft is one of the two match referees in Asia Cup. Apart from him, Richie Richardson is included. He has to play the role of referee in two more matches during the group stage of the tournament. Apart from Pakistan-UAE match, he will also referee in Hong Kong vs Sri Lanka match in Dubai on Monday.
Introduction to Andy Pycroft
Andy Pycroft is a former Zimbabwean cricketer. His international career was quite short. He was able to play only three Tests and 20 ODIs, but his contribution to the game increased significantly after this.
Sports management and other roles
After retiring from cricket, Pycroft coached the Zimbabwe Under-19 team and also played the role of selector. He also took over the responsibility of the national team coach for some time, but left the post due to selection related controversies during the 2003 World Cup.
Experience as a referee
Pycroft started working as an international match referee from 2009. So far he has played the role of referee in 103 matches in Test cricket, making him one of the most experienced match referees in Test cricket history.
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