A completed internal investigation by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has uncovered allegations of serious misconduct by match referee Andy Pycroft during an Asia Cup match.
According to sources, the investigation found “solid evidence” of collusion between Pycroft and Indian cricket officials. The report claims the referee acted deliberately to benefit the Indian team.
The allegations state that Pycroft, at the behest of an Indian venue manager, intervened to stop Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha 30 seconds before the toss. Furthermore, it is alleged that Pycroft muted Agha’s microphone during the toss to prevent him from being heard, an action reportedly taken to avoid a fine for Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav over an “Operation Sindoor” incident.
The report also claims the match referee broke ICC rules by directly instructing Captain Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart, instead of relaying messages through the team manager as required.
These findings have raised major concerns about the integrity of the tournament as it approaches its critical trophy stage.
