Pakistan Threatens to Withdraw from Asia Cup Over Match Referee Controversy
The dispute stems from a recent controversy involving alleged unsportsmanlike conduct by Indian players during the post-match formalities.
LAHORE— The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has threatened to pull out of the ongoing Asia Cup if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not remove the current match referee, sources confirmed on Saturday.
According to insider reports, the PCB has conveyed its firm stance to the ICC, stating that the Pakistan national team will not participate in any further matches of the Asia Cup unless the match referee, Jeff Crowe, is replaced.
The dispute stems from a recent controversy involving alleged unsportsmanlike conduct by Indian players during the post-match formalities. The PCB has accused Indian cricketers of deliberately refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players, which they claim undermines the spirit of the game.
In a formal letter addressed to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the PCB demanded the removal of match referee Jeff Crowe and event director Andrew Pussell. The board alleges that Crowe deliberately instructed the team captains not to shake hands, an act seen as damaging to the sport’s integrity.
“The Indian players intentionally avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistani players, bringing the game’s spirit into disrepute,” the PCB said in its communication.
Sources within the PCB also claimed that the incident has led to significant frustration within the team camp, with senior management viewing it as a serious breach of sportsmanship.
If the ICC fails to respond to the PCB’s concerns by replacing the match officials involved, Pakistan is expected to make a formal announcement of its withdrawal from the tournament.
The Asia Cup, one of the most prestigious cricket tournaments in the region, has already seen heightened tensions due to political and logistical issues between member boards. This latest controversy threatens to derail the event further and poses a significant challenge for tournament organizers and the ICC alike.
As of now, the ICC has not issued an official response to Pakistan’s demands.
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