Ravi Shastri’s Pycroft Move Hits A Nerve With Pakistan Fans: 'Back In The House...'

Ravi Shastri introduces Andy Pycroft at the India vs West Indies Test toss, referencing Asia Cup controversy involving Pakistan Cricket Board.

Former India head coach and star presenter Ravi Shastri on Thursday scraped Pakistan’s wounds by giving a rousing introduction to match referee Andy Pycroft during the toss of the first Test between India and the West Indies, weeks after the latter was embroiled in a massive controversy at the Asia Cup.

Pycroft, a Zimbabwean, was embroiled in controversy during the tournament, with the Pakistan Cricket Board accusing him of being unable to uphold the spirit of the game after the no-handshake incident in the India-Pakistan group stage clash.

During the first Test toss, Shastri gave Pycroft a glowing introduction, raising his voice and referencing the controversies that had surrounded the Asia Cup in Dubai.

“Back in the house, all the way from Dubai, in the hot seat. Andy Pycroft," Shastri said at the toss. Watch the video here:

After India refused to shake hands with Pakistan on September 14, the Pakistan Cricket Board filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council, seeking Pycroft’s removal for the rest of the tournament.

The International Cricket Council rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s request, stating that there was no merit, as Pycroft had conveyed a message from BCCI to the Pakistani side.

Minutes before the Pakistan vs UAE game, the Pakistan Cricket Board issued a statement saying that Pycroft had apologised for the miscommunication during the group stage clash against India.

The Pakistan Cricket Board shared a video on social media showing Pycroft speaking with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha and coach Mike Hesson as well, though the clip had no audio.

“I have always seen that Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. I think he is a permanent fixer for the Indian team. He has officiated in 90 Indian games. This is blatant, this is one-sided and it should not happen like that," former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja has told the media.

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