The Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) call for the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025 has set the International Cricket Council (ICC) in the limelight. Yet, firm indications are that the governing body is unlikely to oblige PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi with his demand. At present, it is unclear if the ICC has formally responded to Naqvi’s mail. But sources suggest that the world body does not find enough grounds to remove Pycroft. The consensus within the ICC is that Pycroft had no major role in the handshake controversy between India and Pakistan. At most, he may have asked the captains to go ahead with the handshake to avoid public embarrassment. Also Read | Watch: Suryakumar Refuses Handshake With Salman Agha at Toss Handshake Dispute Fuels Rivalries It all started when Indian players declined to shake hands with Pakistan counterparts after their Asia Cup encounter on September 14 in Dubai. Not even at the toss did the two captains shake hands, which is usually a ritual of international cricket. Reports indicated that Pycroft had instructed the two captains to proceed with the handshake, but they did not pay him any attention. The PCB was offended, and they stated the gesture was against the "Spirit of Cricket." PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi posted on social media: "The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup." The PCB has gone so far as to threaten boycott of their upcoming match against the UAE if this demand is not granted. But the ICC believes that giving in to such pressure would create the wrong precedent. Also Read | PCB Demands Immediate Removal of Match Referee Andy Pycroft Who is Andy Pycroft? Andy Pycroft, born in Harare, Zimbabwe, on June 6, 1956, was one of his nation's best domestic batsmen during the 1970s and 1980s. He represented Zimbabwe in three Test matches and 20 ODIs but had very limited international success. Pycroft worked in a number of roles after retirement, such as national selector and coach. He then went on to officiate and today is a well-respected ICC match referee. In spite of PCB's fierce opposition, the ICC is likely to hold firm. With Pakistan holding out the threat of boycott, the coming matches at the Asia Cup could witness increased tension both on and off the field.