Dubai, Sep 17 (IANS) – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly persuaded the International Cricket Council (ICC) to alter the officiating panel for their upcoming Asia Cup clash against the United Arab Emirates, with former West Indies captain Richie Richardson expected to take charge as match referee in place of Andy Pycroft, sources said on Tuesday.
While no official announcement has been made, the move is understood to be a compromise following PCB’s objections to Pycroft’s conduct. The board even cancelled its pre-match press conference on Tuesday amid growing tensions.
The development comes in the wake of the recent “no-handshake” controversy involving Pycroft and the Pakistan team during their high-profile clash with India, which drew heavy criticism on social media. Although the ICC initially rejected calls for his removal, the latest arrangement suggests an effort to defuse tensions.
According to sources, Richardson will officiate Pakistan’s match against the UAE, while Pycroft will step aside at least for that fixture. It remains uncertain whether this change will apply to the rest of the tournament.
The PCB had expressed concerns over fairness and impartiality, arguing that the incident unsettled players and created unnecessary distractions. Reports suggest that Pakistan even threatened to withdraw from the fixture if Pycroft continued as referee.
Richardson, widely respected for his balanced approach, has officiated numerous international matches and is expected to restore confidence in the conduct of the game.
With Pakistan’s hopes of advancing in the Asia Cup hinging on the result against the UAE, the focus will now return to on-field matters, though the fallout from the Pycroft episode is likely to continue.
