Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is in fresh controversy after it removed a video clip that allegedly showed ICC match referee Andy Pycroft apologizing to captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager. The apology followed the dramatic India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash on September 14, where players skipped the customary handshake. PCB had claimed that Pycroft’s directive not to shake hands caused the post-match standoff. In a statement on X, PCB wrote, “ICC’s controversial match referee Andy Pycroft has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team. Andy Pycroft had prohibited the captains of both teams from shaking hands during the India-Pakistan match." It further added that Pycroft termed the episode “a result of miscommunication.” 🚨 Video clip of match referee Andy Pycroft apologising to Pakistan’s manager and captain. pic.twitter.com/VnBKM6ePBa — Ihtisham Ul Haq (@iihtishamm) September 17, 2025 Read also: WATCH: Rashid Khan Caught Misbehaving with Pakistani Umpire Faisal Afridi ICC Awaits Evidence, Investigation on Horizon The PCB had initially delayed its squad’s departure for the UAE game, insisting on clarification from the ICC. The match was eventually played after an hour’s delay. PCB’s clip of Pycroft’s apology was quickly deleted from its handle, sparking speculation about the authenticity of the statement. The world body confirmed that it would assess the incident formally if Pakistan submits sufficient evidence. The board stated, “The ICC has expressed its readiness to investigate the violation of the Code of Conduct during the match on September 14." An ICC source, however, clarified that the apology was limited to communication lapses and not an admission of wrongdoing. The source added, “…and the ICC will only conduct its investigation when the PCB furnishes further evidence as to what was Pycroft’s fault." India captain Suryakumar Yadav later explained that the decision not to shake hands was symbolic solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. ICC has continued to defend Pycroft, stating he acted within the rule book. The latest deletion and pending inquiry leave Pakistan under scrutiny, with attention shifting to whether the PCB will submit formal evidence to trigger the ICC probe.