The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The PCB's demand stemmed from a controversy following the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan, where the Indian team declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

The PCB alleged that Pycroft violated the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket, claiming he instructed Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with India's captain during the match. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi stated that the board lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket and demanded Pycroft's immediate removal from the Asia Cup.

The Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, reportedly refused to shake hands in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. According to reports, 26 people were killed in the attack, which India alleges was carried out by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The ICC's decision to reject the PCB's request was reportedly conveyed to the PCB. Sources indicate the ICC believes Pycroft did not play a major role in the controversy. Moreover, the ICC is of the view that removing a match official at the demand of one member would set a bad precedent. Some reports suggest that the ICC believes Pycroft was simply conveying a message to the Pakistan skipper in an attempt to avoid any public embarrassment.

Following the incident, the PCB lodged complaints with both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the ICC. The complaint alleged that Pycroft breached the ICC Code of Conduct by violating Article 2.1.1 in the manual for match officials and match official support personnel.

The PCB had allegedly threatened to boycott their Group A match against the UAE if Pycroft was not removed. Had Pakistan followed through with the threat and forfeited the match against UAE, they would have been eliminated from the Asia Cup 2025.

Sources within the Indian team have refuted claims that any "no-handshake" communication was relayed to them at the time of the toss during the Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan.

The ICC's rejection of the PCB's demand underscores its confidence in Pycroft's handling of the situation. Pycroft is scheduled to officiate Pakistan’s subsequent game against the UAE.