**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 accused International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft of showing bias in favor of India. The allegations arose following a recent handshake controversy during the Asia Cup clash held in Dubai.
### Controversy at the Asia Cup
The PCB claimed that Pycroft directly stopped Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Agha from shaking hands after their intense encounter. The incident was later described as a “miscommunication” by the match referee.
The situation escalated when Pakistan’s players refused to leave their hotel in Dubai ahead of a crucial match against the UAE on Wednesday. They demanded Pycroft’s removal following the fallout from their heated clash with India. Although the team eventually received clearance to play, the delay caused the game to start an hour late and led to the cancellation of a pre-match press conference organized by the PCB.
### Raja Questions ICC’s Neutrality
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, Ramiz Raja openly questioned Pycroft’s officiating record and the ICC’s neutrality.
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 statistics reveal Pycroft has officiated in over 90 matches involving India, which in his view raises doubts about fairness and impartiality within the ICC.
### Official Response and Apology
The PCB confirmed that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team management for preventing the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands at the toss in Dubai on September 14. However, an ICC source clarified that the apology was only for the “miscommunication” and not specifically for the handshake denial.
Sources indicated that the miscommunication stemmed from the events at the toss where both captains skipped their customary handshake.
### ICC Launches Investigation
The PCB disclosed that the ICC is set to investigate the complaint lodged against Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe cricketer who has officiated in over 200 games 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 confirmed.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Andy Pycroft was present at the Dubai International Stadium to officiate Pakistan’s subsequent match against the UAE.
—
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/sports/andy-pycroft-is-india-s-favourite-ramiz-raja-blasts-icc-referee/story