Andy Pycroft ‘apologises for miscommunication’, says PCB, as ICC keeps referee on duty

Pakistan’s board says match referee Andy Pycroft apologised to captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager for a “miscommunication” linked to the no‑handshake saga. The apology, as claimed by the PCB, came before Pakistan’s must‑win Asia Cup game against the UAE, which started an hour late after a day of uncertainty. The ICC has kept Pycroft on duty and maintains he did not breach rules.

Pakistan had accused the referee of telling the captains at the toss not to shake hands and of stopping the exchange of team sheets. India later skipped post‑match handshakes, calling it a tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and support for the armed forces. The episode triggered complaints, a boycott threat, and a brief standoff before Pakistan proceeded to play.

What the PCB says happened

• The board says Pycroft called the September 14 incident a “miscommunication” and apologised to the captain and manager.

• It also says the ICC expressed willingness to look into any code‑of‑conduct breach tied to that match.

• Pakistan had demanded the referee’s removal; after the apology, the team took the field, albeit after a delay.

What the ICC’s stance implies

• The governing body has stood by the referee’s appointment and indicated he followed event directions on short notice.

• Any deeper inquiry would hinge on fresh, specific evidence submitted through formal channels.

• Protocols such as handshakes, presentations, and team‑sheet routines fall under tournament organisers and team managers, not the referee.

Why this matters for the tournament

• Clarity first: Expect written, pre‑agreed guidance for toss conduct, team‑sheet exchange, post‑match movement, and presentation choreography before any high‑profile fixtures.

• Calm the noise: Clear scripts reduce last‑minute confusion and keep focus on cricket, not ceremony.

• Keep playing: With qualification at stake, teams are unlikely to risk further delays or sanctions over protocol disputes.

Big picture
The apology, as framed by the PCB, acknowledges a breakdown in communication—but it does not change the central facts: officials remain in place, on‑day procedures are being tightened, and complaints will be handled through documentation and event rules. For players and fans, the priority now is straightforward: finish the games on the field, while administrators lock down the optics off it.