**Former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja Slams ICC Referee Andy Pycroft Over Asia Cup Handshake Controversy**
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja strongly criticized ICC match referee Andy Pycroft following the handshake row that took place during the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match on September 14. Raja’s remarks came just hours after the PCB claimed that Pycroft had apologized ahead of Pakistan’s final Group A clash against the UAE.
Despite widespread criticism and boycott calls from cricket fans and former players, the Asia Cup match in Dubai went ahead as scheduled.
### Ramiz Raja’s Comments
Speaking to reporters outside the PCB headquarters, Ramiz Raja did not hold back. 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?
The PCB issued a strong statement on Wednesday regarding the incident involving Pycroft. A video also surfaced, showing Pycroft speaking to PCB officials behind closed doors prior to the match.
According to the PCB’s statement:
> “The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match.”
The board further added that Pycroft described the September 14 incident as a result of miscommunication and apologized for the situation.
### ICC’s Position and Investigation
The International Cricket Council (ICC) expressed willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the match. However, a source told news agency PTI 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.”
Importantly, the ICC has clarified that Pycroft was found ‘not guilty’ in relation to the entire incident.
—
The controversy surrounding the handshake ban has stirred debate across the cricket community, with many calling for clearer guidelines and impartial officiating in high-stakes matches between India and Pakistan. The ongoing inquiry is expected to shed more light on the episode.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/sports/indias-permanent-fixer-ramiz-raja-makes-explosive-statement-against-andy-pycroft-after-asia-cup-2025-controversy-video
