Asia Cup: Pakistan in trouble, ICC planning disciplinary action against PCB for recording Pycroft meet, lying about apology

Synopsis

ICC PCB PMOA Violation Email: The ICC is set to take disciplinary action against the PCB for violations, including filming inside the stadium and misrepresenting an apology from the match referee. This follows a handshake controversy with India after a terror attack, leading to Pakistan's boycott of post-match presentations and a complaint against the referee.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally written to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), outlining several breaches of regulations during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai. According to an ICC source, disciplinary action is being considered against PCB for misconduct, violation of media protocols, and misrepresentation of facts on social media.

ICC PCB PMOA Violation Email: What are the Violations?

1. Pakistan’s delay for UAE game:

The trouble began after Pakistan’s loss to India in Dubai, when Indian players chose not to shake hands with their rivals. The decision came in the backdrop of the April 22 terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, where 26 tourists were killed. Pakistan expressed disappointment by boycotting the post-match presentation and later accused match referee Andy Pycroft of failing to uphold the spirit of cricket.

When the ICC rejected Pakistan’s complaint against Pycroft, the PCB demanded his removal. In protest, the Pakistan team refused to leave its hotel before the must-win game against the UAE, delaying the start by an hour. Officials described this as an unnecessary escalation that disrupted tournament proceedings.

2. Breach of PMOA rules

Further controversy followed when Pycroft met Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema before the UAE clash. The PCB insisted that media manager Naeem Ghillani be present, which went against ICC’s Playing and Media Operations Area (PMOA) regulations.

"PCB brought to the meeting their media manager and insisted that he be present during the conversation," the source added.

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Initially, ICC’s Anti-Corruption personnel denied Naeem access, but Pakistan once again threatened to withdraw if he was barred. Eventually allowed in, Naeem recorded the meeting without ICC’s knowledge. The visuals, lacking audio, were later shared on PCB’s social media handles.

3. Lying on social media

The ICC has also objected to PCB’s handling of the footage. Pycroft had merely expressed regret over the handshake misunderstanding between India and Pakistan, but PCB presented the video as an official apology. ICC officials later clarified that Pycroft was cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal review, and they called PCB’s framing of the video misleading.

India Pakistan Handshake Controversy

The string of incidents has drawn attention to the larger India-Pakistan rivalry. After India’s win, Pakistan skipped both the post-match presentation against India and the one after their victory against the UAE. The boycott, combined with the delayed match, has left tournament organisers frustrated.

The ICC has stated that while teams can express concerns, refusing to follow official regulations and misusing access to closed-door meetings cross the line of acceptable conduct.

ICC's Possible Disciplinary Actions against PCB

The ICC is currently investigating the matter and reviewing evidence. Officials have confirmed that PCB could face financial penalties or formal charges under the Asia Cup code of conduct. The breaches could also invite tighter restrictions on team officials in future tournaments.

A final decision is expected once the disciplinary committee completes its review, but the governing body has already conveyed its displeasure at PCB’s actions.

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