Will ICC punish PCB over Asia Cup 2025 breaches? ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta’s email sparks action threat

Saurav Goyal

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Will ICC punish PCB over Asia Cup 2025 breaches? ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta’s email sparks action threat image

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has once again found themselves in trouble during the Asia Cup 2025.

This time, the trouble comes after ICC chief executive Sanjog Gupta sent a strongly worded email, raising concerns about repeated breaches of rules by the PCB.

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What seemed like a normal pre-match moment with match referee Andy Pycroft has now turned into a major controversy that could invite serious consequences.

What triggered the ICC’s warning to PCB?

The drama began when PCB shared a video of Pycroft speaking to the Pakistan players ahead of their clash against the UAE in Dubai. This simple act, however, went against ICC protocols.

Filming inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) is strictly prohibited, and the presence of unauthorised personnel only made matters worse.

According to reports, PCB ignored instructions not to bring media manager Naeem Gilani into the referee’s room.

MORE: Asia Cup 2025 format: Explaining group stage and Super Four format for Asia Cup T20 tournament

When ICC officials objected, Pakistan allegedly threatened to boycott the game if their demands were not accepted. The game eventually started an hour late, but the issue had already caught the eye of ICC leadership.

How does this connect to Pakistan’s ongoing feud with Andy Pycroft?

This fresh row follows days of tension between PCB and the ICC over Andy Pycroft.

Pakistan had earlier complained about him, claiming he acted against the spirit of cricket after the India vs Pakistan game, where the Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistani side.

PCB even pushed for his removal from Asia Cup duties, but ICC dismissed their complaints and retained Pycroft.

When Pakistan then went ahead and shared a muted video of Pycroft’s interaction with their players and staff, the move was seen as defiance.

Instead of cooling down, the matter escalated, drawing strong disapproval from ICC.

More: Who will be the match referee for IND vs PAK Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2025?

What action can ICC take against PCB now?

With Sanjog Gupta’s email in play, the possibility of sanctions against PCB is real. The ICC is looking into the case, and PCB could face anything from a money penalty to tighter rules on how they act in future events.

The governing body is especially concerned about Pakistan’s repeated disregard of instructions and the threat of boycotts, which disrupted the schedule.

For now, PCB insists Pycroft had apologised to their captain and team management, but ICC has not confirmed this version.

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Saurav Goyal

Saurav Goyal is a Content Producer at the Sporting News with over two years of experience in covering cricket. An avid cricket fan for more than two decades, his passion for the game led him to writing. Since then, he’s been delivering the latest news and engaging content to keep cricket fans informed and entertained.