Pakistan’s Asia Cup rebellion backfires as ICC prepares disciplinary action

Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) has officially written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), citing multiple breaches of conduct during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, according to ICC sources. The matter is now under formal review, and disciplinary action is expected.

The situation escalated after Pakistan’s 41-run victory over the UAE on Wednesday in Dubai. Following the win, the PCB posted unauthorised footage from inside the stadium on their official social media handles. The ICC alleges that this content was filmed without approval, violating protocols.

They also posted videos on their handle claiming that match referee Andy Pycroft had apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.

However, the ICC quickly clarified that Pycroft's apology was related only to a miscommunication and not an admission of any wrongdoing. An internal review later cleared Pycroft of all allegations, and the ICC deemed the PCB's social media posts misleading.

Tensions boil over after India match

The controversy began on Sunday, when India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in a highly anticipated group-stage clash. After the match, Indian players declined to shake hands with the Pakistani team, a move widely interpreted as symbolic, given the backdrop of strained diplomatic relations.

Tensions had already been heightened by a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed on April 22 in an assault blamed on Pakistan-sponsored terrorists.

In response, Pakistan withdrew from the post-match presentation ceremony and lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of violating both the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC's spirit of cricket laws.

However, the ICC refused to entertain the complaint and stood by its official, stating there was no basis for disciplinary action against Pycroft.

PCB’s pre-match drama and match delay

The standoff deepened ahead of Pakistan's must-win match against the UAE on Wednesday. In protest of Pycroft’s continued involvement, the Pakistan team refused to leave their hotel in Dubai’s Marina area, demanding the referee’s removal. The ICC again declined, standing firm on its decision.

After receiving clearance from team management, Pakistan eventually agreed to proceed, but the match was delayed by one hour due to the team’s late arrival at the venue.

The PCB also cancelled the scheduled pre-match press conference but conducted a practice session as planned. Following their win over the UAE, Pakistan again skipped the post-match presentation, continuing their protest against the ICC’s handling of the situation.