The International Cricket Council (ICC) has once again appointed Elite Panel match referee Andy Pycroft for the high-stakes India vs Pakistan Super 4s match in the Asia Cup 2025, brushing aside stern objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

The friction stems from Pycroft’s role during the previous India-Pakistan clash on September 14, when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The PCB alleged that Pycroft violated the “Spirit of the Game” code and demanded his removal.

ICC rejected both of the PCB’s requests—first to remove him from the tournament, then to remove him specifically from matches involving Pakistan. According to ICC sources, Pycroft was only relaying a message from the Asian Cricket Council’s venue manager, under time pressure just before the match began.

Despite the controversy, ICC stood firm by its decision. Pycroft reportedly “regretted the miscommunication” but did not issue a formal apology. The appointment signals that the ICC does not wish to set a precedent of removing or sidelining referees under political pressure.

The Super 4 match is set to be played at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where scrutiny will be intense — both for on-field performances and off-field decisions.