ACC finds referee Andy Pycroft biased in Pakistan-India match
An internal investigation by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft displayed partiality during Pakistan’s recent match against India, with evidence of alleged collusion with Indian officials coming to light.
According to sources, the inquiry confirmed that Pycroft violated the code of conduct on multiple occasions during the game.
The report states that at the time of the toss, Pycroft asked Pakistani player Salman Ali Agha to switch off his microphone and listen to him — an action that went against established rules.
It was further revealed that the referee instructed Salman Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav. Under ICC regulations, however, match referees are not authorized to directly issue such instructions to players or captains on the field.
The probe also found that preventing Salman Agha from speaking certain words just 30 seconds before the match began was a “pre-planned” move designed to avoid any potentially controversial reaction.
Additionally, sources claimed that Pycroft shielded Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav from disciplinary action for using the phrase “Operation Sindoor.” The remark was deliberately overlooked to ensure the player avoided a fine.
