**Ramiz Raja Slams Match Referee Andy Pycroft Over Bias Allegations**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 18, 2025, 01:04 PM*
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has leveled serious accusations against International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging bias in favor of India. The controversy arose from a recent handshake incident during the Asia Cup clash held in Dubai.
### The Handshake Controversy
The issue began when the PCB claimed that Pycroft directly stopped Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Agha from shaking hands after an intense match between their teams. The ICC later described the incident as a “miscommunication,” but tensions quickly escalated.
### Players’ Protest and Match Delay
Following the incident, Pakistan’s players refused to leave their hotel ahead of a crucial match against the UAE, demanding Pycroft’s removal. Although the standoff delayed the game by an hour and led to the cancellation of a PCB pre-match press conference, the players eventually received clearance to play.
### Raja Questions ICC’s Neutrality
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Ramiz Raja did not hold back in criticizing Pycroft’s officiating record. He stated, “What’s interesting is, Andy Pycroft is a favorite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he’s always a permanent fixture over there.”
Raja further pointed out that Pycroft has officiated in over 90 matches involving India, suggesting this raised serious doubts about the ICC’s impartiality.
### Official Response and Apology
The PCB announced that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team management for preventing the captains from shaking hands at the toss on September 14. However, an ICC insider clarified that the apology was for the “miscommunication” only and not specifically for the handshake incident itself.
Sources indicated that the confusion stemmed from both captains skipping their customary handshake, adding complexity to the situation.
### ICC Initiates Investigation
In response, the PCB confirmed that the ICC would investigate the complaint against Pycroft. The referee, a former Zimbabwe cricketer, has officiated in over 200 matches since joining the ICC Elite Panel.
“The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct during the match on September 14,” the PCB stated.
Despite the controversy, Pycroft resumed his duties at the Dubai International Stadium for Pakistan’s subsequent match against the UAE.
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**Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.**
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/andy-pycroft-is-india-s-favourite-ramiz-raja-blasts-icc-referee/story