ICC Takes Action Against PCB Over Violations During Asia Cup

ICC Addresses PCB's Regulatory Breaches

Dubai [UAE], September 19: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially communicated with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) via a letter and email, outlining several infractions committed by the PCB, according to sources.

Disciplinary measures are anticipated from the ICC in response to these breaches.

The infractions involve the PCB's choice to record and distribute a video from within the stadium during their impressive 41-run victory over the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, which was later shared on their social media platforms.

Despite the ICC clarifying that match referee Andy Pycroft's apology was merely due to a miscommunication, the PCB continued to post videos on their social media, along with a statement.

The PCB issued a surprising statement asserting that match referee Pycroft had apologized to Pakistan's captain Salman Ali Agha and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, while the ICC indicated its readiness to investigate the breach of the Code of Conduct. Following an inquiry, the ICC found Pycroft not guilty of any wrongdoing.

The situation intensified when India chose not to shake hands with the Pakistan players after their significant 7-wicket victory in their rivalry match in Dubai during the Asia Cup.

In response, Pakistan expressed its dissatisfaction by withdrawing from the post-match presentation. India's decision was reportedly influenced by the tense relations between the two countries following a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists on April 22, attributed to Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

The handshake controversy escalated when the PCB filed a complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws regarding the spirit of cricket. However, the ICC firmly rejected Pakistan's request. In retaliation, the PCB threatened to withdraw from their crucial match against the UAE.

On Wednesday, further drama unfolded in Dubai as the Pakistan team initially refused to leave their hotel in the Marina area for their essential match against the UAE.

This action was a direct response to their demand for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, which the ICC denied. After receiving clearance from their management, Pakistan eventually made it to the stadium, but the match was delayed by an hour.

Although Pakistan canceled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday, they did conduct a practice session ahead of their game against the UAE.

The PCB's actions were closely tied to their dissatisfaction with Pycroft, whom they requested be replaced. Additionally, Pakistan skipped the post-match presentation following their T20 Asia Cup match against India.