The International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to reject the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025, despite threats of a boycott from Pakistan. The controversy stems from a handshake dispute following India's win against Pakistan in their Asia Cup match.

Following the match, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, accusing Pycroft of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The complaint alleges that Pycroft advised Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to avoid the customary handshake with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss. The PCB is demanding Pycroft's immediate removal from the Asia Cup.

The situation escalated after the match when Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to the victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam and India's armed forces, adding further fuel to the fire.

In response, the PCB threatened to withdraw from their remaining Asia Cup matches, including a crucial game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), if Pycroft was not removed. A boycott would result in Pakistan's elimination from the tournament, allowing the UAE to advance to the Super 4 stage.

However, ICC sources suggest that the governing body is unlikely to comply with the PCB's request. While no official decision has been communicated, the ICC rarely entertains such demands and is expected to stand by its appointed officials. Reports indicate that the ICC believes Pycroft may have intervened to prevent a potentially embarrassing situation for the Pakistani captain. Furthermore, the ICC might be of the view that changing the match referee mid-tournament based on a request from one member, particularly when the referee's role in the controversy was minimal, would set a bad precedent.

The ICC's potential rejection of the PCB's plea could lead to further strain in the relationship between the two cricket boards. It remains to be seen whether Pakistan will follow through with their boycott threat or participate in their upcoming match against the UAE with Pycroft officiating.