Fri Sep 19 18:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Summary:

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is embroiled in a dispute with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over alleged violations of anti-corruption protocols during a recent match in Dubai. The ICC accused the Pakistan team’s media manager of using a mobile phone in the restricted Players & Match Officials Area (PMOA), a breach of regulations. The PCB countered, arguing the media manager’s presence was authorized and questioned why the match referee, Andy Pycroft, didn’t report the matter to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) if he deemed it a violation. This incident follows a previous controversy where the PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal over a handshake incident, a demand the ICC has not met. Tensions remain high ahead of the upcoming India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup.

## News Article:

**PCB and ICC Clash Over Alleged Protocol Breach in Dubai**

**Dubai, UAE** – Tensions are escalating between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) following accusations of protocol violations by the Pakistan team during a recent match in Dubai. The ICC has alleged that the team’s media manager used a mobile phone in the restricted Players & Match Officials Area (PMOA) on September 17, a clear breach of anti-corruption regulations.

In a letter seen by sources, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta highlighted the incident, sparking a strong response from the PCB. The PCB maintains that the media manager’s presence was authorized and that his actions did not violate any rules. They further questioned why match referee Andy Pycroft, whose conduct is already under scrutiny from the PCB, failed to report the alleged breach to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) if he believed it warranted action.

“The media manager is part of the squad and has authorized access to the PMOA,” the PCB stated in a letter to the ICC. “If the SOP was not followed, the ICC should question the match referee.”

This dispute comes on the heels of a previous controversy where the PCB demanded an inquiry into Pycroft’s conduct regarding a handshake incident. The ICC has thus far rejected the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal, citing a lack of supporting evidence.

Adding fuel to the fire, a meeting between the Pakistan team management, including captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson, and Pycroft was recorded by the team’s media manager. The PCB claims the recording, later released without audio, showed Pycroft apologizing for the handshake controversy, a claim the ICC disputes.

The escalating tensions could have implications for the ongoing Asia Cup, particularly ahead of the highly anticipated India-Pakistan match on Sunday. Whether this will impact the players on the field remains to be seen, but the off-field drama continues to unfold.

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