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Who Is Andy Pycroft? ICC Match Referee On PCB's Firing Line Amid IND-PAK Handshake Tussle

Aashay Chopade

ICC match referee and India-Pakistan captains (Source:@lostguy79/X.com)ICC match referee and India-Pakistan captains (Source:@lostguy79/X.com)

The India-Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 turned out to be a one-sided affair with the Men in Blue beating Salman Agha's boys by seven wickets. However, drama unfolded after the game as Indian players did not shake hands with their Pakistan counterparts, and then Salman Ali Agha did not give a post-match interview in protest.

No Handshake Gesture Brings Andy Pycroft In Focus After IND-PAK Match

Also, captains did not shake hands during the toss, and it is now understood that match referee Andy Pycroft told them to do so. Thus, Pakistan are now asking for the removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup 2025. PCB has also threatened to boycott their next game against the UAE if Pycroft is not removed. Thus, things are surely heating up, and Andy Pycroft is now at the centre of attraction of the India-Pakistan clash. Thus, in this article, we will delve into the life and career of Andy Pycroft.

Andy Pycroft is a former Zimbabwean cricketer who was born on June 6, 1956, in Harare. He was one of the leading batters in domestic cricket after his debut in the 1975-76 season and scored five centuries and 31 fifties.

However, by the time Zimbabwe played their first Test, he was well past his prime and could play only three five-day matches for his country. He played 20 ODIs for Zimbabwe after his debut in 1983, but overall could not make a significant impact at the international level.

Andy Pycroft's Career After His Retirement

However, after his retirement, he took up many different roles and found great success as a match referee. After he decided to hang up his boots, Andy Pycroft became the chief selector of Zimbabwe. He also became the coach of Zimbabwe in 2001. but left the job during the 2003 World Cup, citing internal issues with other stakeholders.

In 2009, Andy Pycroft became the member of the Elite Panel of ICC Match Referees. Since then, he has taken up the role of match referee in a number of high-profile matches, which include 103 Test matches, 248 ODIs and 183 T20Is.

Thus, Andy Pycroft is a reputed match referee in the world of cricket, and it would be interesting to see how ICC and other authorities tackle Pakistan's allegations against one of their experienced man.