ICC Mulls Action Against PCB Over Pycroft Row, Misconduct Allegations

Dubai, Sep 19: The ICC has pulled up the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for “multiple violations” of tournament protocols and misconduct ahead of their Asia Cup clash against the UAE, which was delayed after Pakistan protested against match referee Andy Pycroft.

According to sources, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has written to the PCB citing repeated breaches of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules, including allowing team media manager Naeem Gillani to film a pre-match meeting between Pycroft, head coach Mike Hesson, and skipper Salman Ali Agha — despite clear restrictions.

The Pakistan team initially refused to leave its hotel, blaming Pycroft for the “no-handshake” controversy in the India game, which delayed Wednesday’s fixture by nearly an hour.

Though ICC agreed to facilitate a meeting to resolve misunderstandings, PCB’s insistence on filming the discussion was deemed a “complete disregard” for PMOA sanctity. The subsequent release of the footage on social media has further irked the world body.

The ICC has also objected to a PCB press note claiming Pycroft “apologised”, clarifying that he had only expressed regret over the miscommunication.

Action against PCB is now under consideration.