ICC Rejects PCB's Demand To Remove Match Referee Amid Handshake Row

In a major setback for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), the ICC has officially rejected its demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, following the post-match handshake controversy with Indian players. The ICC found no fault with the referee’s conduct. PCB had alleged that Pycroft allowed India to skip the handshake after their Asia Cup match, but BCCI sources clarified that handshakes are not mandatory. With Pakistan threatening to withdraw from their next match against the UAE, the situation has turned into a diplomatic and sporting embarrassment, leaving PCB in a lose-lose scenario.