Amid growing controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has pushed for the removal of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup, following his handling of the recent India-Pakistan clash. The Pakistan Cricket Board accused Pycroft of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Spirit of Cricket laws, particularly after a “no-handshake” row erupted post-match. The board even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if its demand was ignored.

While an outright removal seems unlikely, sources (as per a Time of India report) indicated that Pycroft may be “rested” for Pakistan’s crucial encounter against the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. A PCB official has reportedly told that Pakistan would continue in the competition but Pycroft would not officiate Wednesday’s game. It remains uncertain whether he will return for Pakistan’s later fixtures, as the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has yet to respond to queries.

Pycroft, a veteran official with over 100 Tests as referee, has been involved in past controversies, including the Steve Smith ball-tampering saga and Virat Kohli’s on-field clashes. A former Zimbabwe cricketer, he featured in three Tests and 20 ODIs, including Zimbabwe’s maiden Test against India in 1992.

Bangladesh stays alive in Asia Cup with thrilling win over Afghanistan

Bangladesh kept their Asia Cup campaign alive with a thrilling eight-run win over Afghanistan in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, securing a must-win result to stay in contention for the Super 4 stage. Chasing 155, Afghanistan fell short at 146 after a spirited late fightback.

Bangladesh’s decision to bring in left-arm spinner Nasum Ahmed proved decisive as he struck with the first ball, dismissing Sediqullah Atal, and bowled a wicket maiden. He later removed Ibrahim Zadran, finishing with 2-11 in three overs. Leg-spinner Rishad Hossain tightened the screws with 2-18, while Mustafizur Rahman cleaned up the lower order with 3-28.

Afghanistan’s top order faltered, reduced to 62-4 at the halfway mark despite Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s 35. Brief resistance came from Azmatullah Omarzai (30 off 15) and Rashid Khan (20 off 11), but both fell in quick succession. Needing 22 off the final over, Noor Ahmad struck two sixes but was dismissed off the last ball as Bangladesh sealed victory.

Earlier, Bangladesh posted 154-5, built on Tanzid Hasan’s 52 off 31 balls. Saif Hasan added 24 in a 63-run opening stand, but Afghanistan’s spinners, Noor and Rashid, pegged them back in the middle overs, restricting the total.(Agencies)