Pakistan won't play any more Asia Cup matches if match referee isn't replaced: PCB

Lahore: Pakistan has taken strong action over the conduct adopted during the match against India, declaring it will withdraw from the Asia Cup unless the match referee is replaced.

According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made it clear to the ICC that if the referee is not changed, Pakistan will not participate in any further Asia Cup fixtures.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also issued a statement, confirming that the Board has lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging that the match referee acted in a manner contrary to the spirit of cricket.

Indian media has meanwhile revealed under whose instruction the Indian players, including their captain, declined to shake hands with members of the Pakistan team.

Naqvi stated that an official complaint had been filed against the referee for breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, adding that the PCB has demanded the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from his role as match referee in the Asia Cup.

It is worth noting that, during the Pakistan–India Asia Cup fixture held yesterday, referee Andy Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands following the toss — a decision that drew sharp criticism from Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema.