**Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja Slams ICC Referee Andy Pycroft Over Handshake Row in India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Match**
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has criticized ICC match referee Andy Pycroft following the controversial handshake incident during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14.
The comments from Raja came just hours after the PCB claimed that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team ahead of their final Group A clash against the UAE. Despite the backlash, and calls for boycotts from cricket fans and former players, the Asia Cup match in Dubai went ahead as scheduled.
Speaking to reporters outside the PCB headquarters, Raja expressed his strong disapproval of Pycroft’s conduct. He said, “Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. He has officiated in 90 Indian games. I think he is a permanent fixer for them. This is blatant, one-sided, and it shouldn’t happen on a neutral platform.”
### Did Andy Pycroft Apologize to PCB?
On Wednesday, the PCB issued a firm statement regarding the controversy involving Pycroft. A video surfaced showing Pycroft speaking to PCB officials behind closed doors before the match, adding further context to the situation.
According to the PCB statement:
*”The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match.”*
The PCB strongly condemned Pycroft’s actions. Pycroft described the September 14 incident as a result of miscommunication and offered his apology accordingly.
Further, the ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the match.
### ICC’s Position and Investigation
However, a source speaking to news agency PTI revealed that:
*”The apology has only been tendered for the miscommunication and ICC will only conduct its investigation when PCB furnishes further evidence as to what was Pycroft’s fault.”*
The ICC has also clarified that Pycroft was found ‘not guilty’ in relation to the entire incident.
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The handshake controversy continues to evoke strong reactions from cricketing circles, highlighting ongoing tensions in the high-profile India-Pakistan encounters. The ICC’s forthcoming inquiry and PCB’s demands for accountability will be closely watched by fans and stakeholders alike.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/indias-permanent-fixer-ramiz-raja-makes-explosive-statement-against-andy-pycroft-after-asia-cup-2025-controversy-video
