Tue Sep 16 01:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the text, focusing on a neutral and informative tone:

**Pakistan Cricket Board Demands Removal of Match Referee, Threatens Boycott Over Handshake Dispute**

**Dubai, UAE –** The ongoing controversy surrounding post-match handshakes at the Asia Cup has escalated significantly, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft and reportedly threatening to boycott its upcoming match against the UAE on September 17.

The PCB’s actions follow a formal protest lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the Indian team’s alleged refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after their victory on September 14. The PCB is now accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket by allegedly instructing captains not to shake hands, suggesting bias.

“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,” said PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi in a social media post on Monday. “The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”

Sources suggest that the PCB’s protest has gone as far as threatening a boycott of the match against the UAE if Pycroft, who is the designated match referee for that game, is not removed.

Naqvi also expressed his disappointment on social media, stating, “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”

The PCB claims that it took action after the Indian team refused to shake hands. “Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players’ behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the sport of the game. As a protest we did not send our captain to the post match ceremony,” the Pakistan team management said.

Andy Pycroft, a veteran official on the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees since 2009, has not yet commented on the situation. The ICC has also been contacted for comment but has not yet issued a statement.

The situation remains fluid, and the potential boycott of the Pakistan-UAE match could have significant implications for the Asia Cup. The ICC’s response to the PCB’s demands will be closely watched by cricket fans worldwide.

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