Former Pakistan captain and president Ramiz Raja has questioned the neutrality of the International Cricket Council Match Referee Andy Pycroft after the Handshek controversy in the Asia Cup 2025. Raja called Pycroft “preferred to Indians” during a joint press conference with PCB President Mohsin Naqei.
India won seven wickets over Pakistan on 14 September in a one -sided clash. In particular, it was the first encounter between the two sides after the Pahalgam terror attack. Fans and former cricketers urged the BCCI to boycott the match, but India decided to participate in the tournament.
India left the handshek with Pakistan before and after the group match
India left the handshek with Pakistan before and after its group-phase struggle. India captain Suryakumar Yadav avoided joining hands with Salman Ali Aga in the toss. Surya said that the Government of India and BCCI decided not to shake hands with Pakistan players.
cricketballgame.com
In response, Pakistan filed a formal complaint. The PCB accused the match referee Andy Picroft of preventing Salman Aga from joining hands with his Indian counterpart. He demanded the removal of Picroft from the tournament and even threatened to boycott his stability against the UAE.
Pakistan’s Must-win match delayed an hour, the PCB awaited the instructions from Islamabad whether the competition was going on. In particular, the ICC rejected Pakistan’s appeal twice and allowed Pycroft to continue as a referee.
Andy Pycroft is a favorite for Indians – Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja accused the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft of showing prejudice towards India. The king said that Pycroft has participated in 90 Indian Games. He said that the frequent presence of Andy Pycroft raised questions about fairness.
“What’s interesting … Andy Picroft is a favorite [for the Indians]Whenever I host the toss, it is always a permanent stability there, ”the king said.
“It’s something clear for me because I felt that he had refereeed many matches, shows something one-way. It should not be so. It is a neutral platform, which is why the referee and match are officers. However, I felt that he was fixed there.
My biggest objection was … – Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja expressed disappointment over the comments after the match of India captain Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav dedicated India’s victory to the Indian armed forces and mentioned the Pahalgam attack. The king said that cricket should be kept separate from political statements.
“My biggest objection was that the presentation after the match (by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav) was said. This was an editorial point .. If forgiveness has come, it is good. If the cricket turns into a political field, nothing can be achieved. I hope our cricket team improves.”
Pakistan won the UAE to carry forward the Super Four Stage of the Asia Cup 2025. After losing six wickets for just 93 runs, Shaheen Afridi played a quick cameo of 29 Not Out of 14 balls to help Pakistan’s total 146 for a total of 146. Then green men exit out 105 out of 105.
Also Read: Smriti Mandhan