NewsICC says PCB committed 'multiple violations' of protocol ahead of UAE matchThe governing body stated that the use of a mobile phone to record the meeting was a breach of PMOA protocol19-Sep-2025 • 25 mins agoSamiuddin: 'PCB will realise there were couple of missteps'
The ICC has formally reprimanded the Pakistan Cricket Board after the PCB used a mobile phone to record a pre-match discussion with referee Andy Pycroft before Pakistan’s Asia Cup fixture against the UAE on 17 September.
Key facts first
• ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta described the incident as “multiple violations” of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) rules.
• The meeting, held inside the restricted PMOA at Dubai, involved Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema and media manager Naeem Gillani. ICC’s general manager of cricket, Wasim Khan, also attended.
• Gillani attempted to film the conversation despite anti-corruption regulations that prohibit phones in the PMOA.
• Pakistan threatened not to take the field unless the discussion was captured on video; a compromise allowed silent recording.
• The stand-off followed “handshake-gate” at the India-Pakistan game, where Agha was told not to shake Suryakumar Yadav’s hand.
What happened in the room
Those present say Gillani was immediately reminded that phones are barred from the PMOA, partly to prevent any breach of anti-corruption protocols. The PCB, however, insisted filming was required to protect its interests. After a brief impasse, Gillani was allowed to record the exchange minus audio.
In an e-mail sent on Thursday, Gupta labelled the PCB’s insistence on filming as misconduct. He also clarified that Pycroft “was merely the messenger” regarding the handshake directive, which had been passed on by the venue manager minutes before the toss against India. According to Gupta, the referee expressed “regret over the miscommunication and misunderstanding” but did not apologise — a point the ICC maintains is significant.
Conflicting statements
Shortly after the meeting, the PCB issued its own release claiming Pycroft had “apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team”. That version was rejected by the ICC hierarchy. The discrepancy fuelled further tension and delayed the start of the Pakistan-UAE match by almost an hour.
Behind the scenes
For much of the morning, PCB officials kept the squad at the team hotel. They wanted Pycroft removed from the remainder of the tournament, arguing he had breached both the code of conduct and the MCC’s Spirit of Cricket. The ICC refused, saying its internal inquiry had cleared Pycroft’s handling of the original incident.
According to a source close to Pakistan’s camp, board members briefly discussed pulling out of the event altogether. Cooler heads prevailed after a fresh meeting — again with Pycroft present — produced a face-saving compromise. Pakistan eventually travelled to the ground and the game proceeded, albeit with an unusually subdued build-up.
Expert view
Journalist Osman Samiuddin observed, “PCB will realise there were couple of missteps,” pointing to the escalation that could have been avoided with clearer channels of communication.
Why it matters
The PMOA is a secure enclave designed to protect players and officials from external influence, particularly where anti-corruption measures are concerned. Recording inside that space without prior approval undermines the very safeguards meant to keep the sport clean.
Analysis without jargon
The clash also reveals the delicate balance between a board’s desire to defend its team and the ICC’s obligation to enforce uniform standards. Plenty of boards have pushed back against officials they distrust, but public threats of withdrawal are rare and almost always counter-productive.
Where next?
The ICC has not yet announced formal sanctions, though a monetary fine for the PCB or a reprimand for individual officials appears likely. Pakistan, meanwhile, remain focused on rescuing their Asia Cup campaign; however, relations with the governing body may need mending before the next global tournament cycle.
Empathy all round
Pakistan felt aggrieved by what they believed was disrespect towards their captain; the ICC saw a challenge to its authority and anti-corruption protocols. Both perspectives carry weight. Going forward, clearer explanations — preferably in private — could spare everyone another public stalemate.
In cricket, as in life, small misunderstandings can snowball. This episode serves as a reminder that transparency, not confrontation, usually wins the day.
