The fallout from the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 shows no signs of slowing down. What began as a dispute over post-match protocols has now escalated into a formal exchange between the Pakistan Cricket Board and the International Cricket Council.
At the centre of the storm is a closed-door meeting involving match referee Andy Pycroft which was reportedly recorded against ICC rules. With both sides trading sharp words, the controversy has taken on a legal dimension.
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ICC flags potential breach of protocol
ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta sent an email to the PCB on September 18. He highlighted possible violations of the Player and Match Official Area (PMOA) rules.
The issue stemmed from the presence of Pakistan's media manager during a sensitive meeting between Pycroft, captain Salman Agha and head coach Mike Hesson. The ICC's concern was not just about entry but about the use of a phone to film the conversation.
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Reports suggest the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) official objected to this yet the PCB insisted on recording.
In its reply, the PCB maintained that the media manager had "authorised access" and argued that ICC protocols allow limited camera use. The board also questioned whether Pycroft had formally raised the matter with the ACU.
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However, reports indicate the PCB went further, allegedly warning of a boycott against the UAE if their demands were not met.
Some of the language used by the PCB in its communication - particularly against Pycroft, has been described by officials as "defamatory," raising the possibility of disciplinary or even legal consequences.
With India and Pakistan set to meet again in Dubai on September 21, the off-field row threatens to overshadow the cricket. The ICC has signalled a tough stance but all eyes are now on how it handles the PCB's defiance ahead of the marquee fixture.