Threat to boycott Asia Cup tournament fails, Pakistan suffers major setback

DUBAI: The International Cricket Council has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. PCB had claimed that Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to avoid handshakes with India captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. ICC explained that it was actually the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) officials who informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.

The PCB had informed the International Cricket Council in a complaint that they will boycott the tournament if Andy Pycroft is not removed from the tournament. Even after the match, the Pakistani player waited to shake hands with the Indian players. However, the Indian players ignored the Pakistani players and went to the dressing room and closed the door.

Pakistan's decision to boycott the Asia Cup is also being reconsidered after the ICC rejected its request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft. Reports suggest that Pakistan will avoid boycotting the tournament to avoid ICC sanctions over the handshake controversy. Pycroft will be the match referee for Pakistan's next match as well.

Meanwhile, if Pakistan boycotts the upcoming match against the UAE, the UAE will advance to the Super Four along with India. However, if Pakistan plays this match, the winning team will enter the Super Four along with India.