Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja highlighted that Andy Pycroft has officiated in as many as 90 matches involving India. Speaking to the media ahead of Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on September 17, Raja made some striking comments about the ongoing controversy.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has placed the blame for the “handshake controversy” dominating the Asia Cup on match referee Andy Pycroft. The row erupted after Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after Sunday’s fixture.
Ramiz Raja: According to PCB, Pycroft allegedly stopped Pakistan skipper Salman Agha from shaking hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav at the toss—an act they described as “misbehaviour of the highest order.”
Subsequently, PCB escalated the matter to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the Asia Cup 2025 and even warning of withdrawing from the tournament if action was not taken.
Ramiz Raja Slams Suryakumar Yadav, Calls Andy Pycroft India’s ‘Permanent Fixer’
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is awaiting guidance from Islamabad on whether to continue participating in the tournament after the Pakistan-UAE, match on Wednesday started later than scheduled due to ongoing issues between the PCB and ICC.
Ramiz Raja: Speaking to reporters outside the PCB headquarters, Ramiz Raja criticized Andy Pycroft, claiming he has been a “permanent fixer” for India, having officiated in 90 of their international matches.
“It was a critical situation, and emotions were running high. I am glad we didn’t make an emotional decision. A boycott would have harmed our cricket. I have always believed that discussions should be handled by our cricket team on the field. Frustration should inspire better performance, not off-field controversies,” Raja said.
Ramiz Raja also expressed his displeasure over comments made by India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav in the post-match presentation, particularly regarding the Pahalgam incident and dedicating India’s win to the Indian Armed Forces.
“My main issue was with what Suryakumar Yadav said after the match. If an apology has been issued, that’s good. But if cricket becomes a political platform, nothing will be achieved. Andy Pycroft seems to be India’s go-to official—he has officiated in 90 of their games. It’s clearly one-sided and shouldn’t happen on a neutral stage. I hope better judgment prevails,” Raja added.
India and Pakistan are set to meet again in the Super Four stage on September 21 in Dubai, after Pakistan secured their place in the next round with a 41-run victory over the UAE.
