Fri Sep 19 13:30:10 UTC 2025: **PCB Defends Filming of Meeting, ICC Cites Protocol Breach**

**Dubai, UAE** – The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is defending its media manager’s decision to film a meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft and team officials ahead of their Asia Cup match against the UAE, asserting that the action falls within ICC protocols. This comes after the ICC reportedly sent a letter to the PCB, citing violations of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code, including the unauthorized recording of the interaction involving coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema.

The PCB argues that the media manager is an authorized member of the squad with access to the PMOA and that existing protocols allow the use of cameras in the area. A PCB source suggested that if Standard Operating Procedure was breached, the ICC should confirm if the referee reported the matter to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU).

However, a tournament source refuted this, stating that the ICC match official did flag the issue with Pakistan’s ACU official, who acknowledged the concern.

The ICC’s communication reportedly highlighted a “complete disregard for the sanctity of the PMOA” in accepting the PCB’s request for the meeting, despite the alleged violations.

The controversy initially arose after the PCB complained to the ICC about match referee Andy Pycroft violating the “Spirit of the Game” protocols when Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with his opposite number Salman Ali Agha, requesting Pycroft’s removal from the tournament or Pakistan’s matches. The ICC rejected these claims, backing Pycroft and clarifying that he was merely relaying a message from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager.

The dispute underscores the ongoing tensions and disagreements surrounding protocol and conduct within the Asia Cup tournament, and appears far from being resolved.

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