Ramiz Raja calls Andy Pycroft “India’s favourite” amid Asia Cup row

Former Pakistan captain and PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has launched a sharp attack on ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging bias during the Asia Cup handshake controversy. He questioned Pycroft’s neutrality, calling him “India’s favourite,” as tensions simmered around the no‑handshake episode and Pakistan’s brief threat to boycott a game before eventually playing.

India had skipped pre‑ and post‑match handshakes against Pakistan as a tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, saying some things are bigger than sport. Pakistan accused the referee of mishandling protocols at the toss and pushed for his removal, but global administrators stood by the appointment. In the aftermath, Raja argued that Pycroft’s frequent presence at India’s matches created an impression problem and said a neutral platform must also look neutral.

Raja made the remarks as the PCB continued to contest match‑day procedures—handshakes, sheets at the toss, and presentation optics. Pakistan later said Pycroft apologised for a “miscommunication,” while the governing body indicated that any further inquiry would require specific evidence and reiterated that on‑day gestures and ceremony scripting are the organiser’s remit. The immediate focus for officials is ensuring written, pre‑agreed protocols so players aren’t left improvising.

While Pakistan delayed a must‑win game over the standoff, the team did take the field and the tournament moved on. That outcome underscored a reality: appointments are rarely changed mid‑event, and grievances tend to be routed to organisers, not referees, when they involve ceremony rather than play. For supporters, the next chapter may be a rematch on the field—where performance, not protocol, will decide the narrative.