Thu Sep 18 18:12:58 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**ICC Considers Action Against Pakistan Over Asia Cup Protocol Breaches**

Dubai – The International Cricket Council (ICC) is reportedly considering disciplinary action against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) following multiple breaches of tournament protocols during the Asia Cup, culminating in a delayed start to their match against the UAE on Wednesday.

According to sources, the ICC has sent a formal email to the PCB outlining instances of misconduct and violations within the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) prior to the game. The ICC CEO, Sanjog Gupta, is said to have highlighted repeated PMOA breaches in the communication.

The controversy stems from a disagreement regarding match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB had requested Pycroft’s removal, reportedly due to his handling of a ‘no handshake’ incident during Pakistan’s previous match against India. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had prevented Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha from shaking hands with his Indian counterpart, Suryakumar Yadav, as a gesture of solidarity with victims of a terror attack.

The ICC agreed to facilitate a meeting between Pycroft, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha before Wednesday’s match to address any misunderstandings arising from the India game. However, the PCB insisted on bringing media manager Naeem Gillani to the meeting, despite the ICC’s rules prohibiting media presence in such settings. When Gillani was denied entry due to a mobile phone violation, the PCB allegedly threatened to withdraw from the match and proceeded to film the meeting without audio, further violating PMOA regulations.

Sources claim the ICC reluctantly allowed the filming to proceed to preserve the integrity of the tournament, but expressed concern that the footage was circulating on social media with unsubstantiated claims about the discussion. The ICC also took issue with a PCB media release that falsely claimed Pycroft had apologized when he had simply expressed regret over a miscommunication. The ICC’s investigation is ongoing.

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