Ramiz Raja Questions Pycroft’s Neutrality and Favors Towards…

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja accused International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft of displaying blatant bias towards the Indian cricket team during Asia Cup matches. The accusation comes after a handshake controversy at the Asia Cup in Dubai.

Raja, himself a former cricketer, believes Pycroft was disproportionately appointed for India’s matches, thereby causing concern over ICC’s neutrality. He points out that Pycroft seems to be a constant presence for India’s tosses and doesn’t veer from that position, suggesting an underlying favouritism.

The PCB raised complaints following an incident where Pycroft supposedly prohibited India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Agha from shaking hands after their high-voltage encounter, labelling it subsequently as a “miscommunication”. The PCB alleges that Pycroft subsequently apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team and claimed the ICC had expressed readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct.

However, the ICC rebutted Pakistan’s claims, asserting that no formal investigation had been initiated and maintained that there had been no breach on the part of Pycroft. According to ICC sources, the apology was due to an error by a venue manager, rather than any wrongdoing by Pycroft.

Undeterred by the controversy, Pycroft resumed his duties at the Dubai International Stadium, officiating Pakistan’s clash against the UAE, leaving the issue far from being resolved.