The recent controversy surrounding International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft’s alleged instructions to the Pakistani captain to forgo a handshake with his Indian counterpart at the Asia Cup toss has brought to the surface the rather contentious history between the Zimbabwean official and Pakistan cricket.

 

According to reports, Pycroft’s name has long been associated with disciplinary actions against key Pakistani players, particularly concerning suspect bowling actions, igniting questions about a potential pattern of scrutiny.

 

Pycroft’s most prominent confrontations with Pakistani cricketers date back to 2014, a year that saw two of Pakistan’s frontline bowlers reported under his watch. The first major incident involved star off-spinner Saeed Ajmal. Following the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in August 2014, Pycroft, acting as the match referee, officially reported Ajmal for a suspected illegal bowling action.

 

This report initiated a formal ICC review, which ultimately led to Ajmal’s suspension from international cricket, a career-altering blow for the spinner who was at the peak of his powers.

 

Just months later, in November 2014, Pycroft was once again at the center of attention involving another Pakistani all-rounder, Mohammad Hafeez. During the first Test against New Zealand in Abu Dhabi, Hafeez's bowling action was also reported by Pycroft. This report triggered another independent assessment, culminating in Hafeez’s suspension from bowling in international matches.

 

While Hafeez would later remodel his action and return to bowling, the incident marked a significant disruption to his career, and it was Pycroft who initiated the official proceedings.

 

These past run-ins with Pakistan cricket have resurfaced amid the current handshake controversy, adding more weight to the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup.

 

The PCB has officially threatened to boycott the tournament if their demand is not met. So far, no official confirmation has come regarding a withdrawal, and the team is scheduled to play its final group stage match against the UAE today.

 

All eyes are now on Pakistan to see if they will continue playing or pull out of the tournament. A boycott would automatically eliminate them from the competition and open the door for the UAE to qualify for the Super Four stage.