Former Pakistan captain and ex-chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Ramiz Raja has branded match referee Andy Pycroft as India’s “fixer” while also describing his apology as a “moral victory” for Pakistan cricket.
The controversy began during the Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan on 14 September, when players did not shake hands before or after the toss. Pakistan alleged that Pycroft himself had advised against the handshake, accusing him of siding with India. The PCB lodged an official complaint and demanded his removal, a request the ICC later rejected.
Matters escalated ahead of Pakistan’s match against the UAE in Dubai on 17 September. In protest at Pycroft’s continued role, Pakistan’s players and staff initially refused to board the team bus, delaying the start by an hour, before eventually agreeing to play.
Speaking on the saga, Ramiz said:
“This is a win for us. The situation was very tense, emotions were running high. I’m glad we didn’t take any emotional decisions. If we had boycotted the tournament, it would have been a huge loss for our cricket. I hope this disappointment and frustration has a positive effect on the field.”
Ramiz was particularly angered by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicating India’s victory to the army and to the families of those killed in the Pahalgam attack.
“My biggest objection was what was said in the post-match presentation,” he said. “If cricket turns into a political arena, then nothing will be achieved.”
Turning his criticism back on Pycroft, Ramiz added:
“I have always seen Andy Pycroft as India’s favourite. I think he is a permanent fixer for them. He has officiated in 90 of their games. This is shameless, one-sided, and it should not happen. This is supposed to be a neutral space.”
Statistics, however, show that Pycroft has officiated most often in South Africa’s matches (135), followed by Sri Lanka (132), India (124), Pakistan (102), England (107), Bangladesh (83), and Australia (80).
On the field, Pakistan put the off-field drama behind them to defeat the UAE by 41 runs, securing their place in the Super Four. They will next face India on 21 September.
