The International Cricket Council (ICC) has sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for recording a meeting inside the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) before its Asia Cup 2025 clash vs UAE. The meeting involved match referee Andy Pycroft, captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, manager Naveed Akram Cheema, and media manager Naeem Gillani.
What the ICC Says: Breach of Protocols and Misconduct
In a strongly worded email, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta told the PCB that filming the conversation using a mobile phone violated PMOA regulations, where devices are not permitted. When media manager Gillani attempted to film the meeting, officials initially blocked him. Eventually, however, a compromise was reached – recording was allowed, albeit without audio.
Gupta emphasized that PCB committed “multiple violations” of PMOA protocol, and called the act misconduct. He also disputed the PCB’s claim that Pycroft had “apologised,” stating he only expressed “regret over the miscommunication.”
Back‑story: “Handshake Row” and Escalation
The controversy stems from the India vs Pakistan match, where Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan – a gesture reportedly connected to the Pahalgam terror attack’s victims. Pakistan alleged Pycroft instructed captain Agha not to shake hands with India skipper Suryakumar Yadav.
Pakistan threatened to boycott its match vs UAE unless Pycroft was removed. The match was delayed an hour, and the PCB insisted that the meeting before the UAE game should include their media manager.
ICC Response & Possible Penalties
According to multiple reports, the ICC is evaluating disciplinary options against the PCB. Potential penalties include fines, formal misconduct charges, or other sanctions under the Asia Cup regulations.
