Dubai: The International Cricket Council (ICC) is considering disciplinary measures against the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for violating several regulations prior to their Asia Cup 2025 match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The match, which took place on Wednesday, faced delays following Pakistan’s protest over the ICC’s refusal to dismiss match referee Andy Pycroft. The ICC has formally communicated with the PCB, citing “misconduct” and numerous breaches of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol.
A source close to PTI revealed that ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta contacted the PCB to address recurrent PMOA violations on match day. Despite being warned multiple times, Pakistan’s media manager, Naeem Gillani, filmed a meeting between Pycroft, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss. This act contravenes ICC regulations, which stipulate that media managers are not allowed in such discussions, and filming within the PMOA is strictly prohibited.
The meeting in question had been organized by the ICC and PCB to resolve issues from an earlier toss incident on September 15, intending to clear any confusion. However, the PCB insisted on having their media manager present, who was initially barred entry by the ICC Anti-Corruption Manager due to an attempt to bring a mobile phone into the restricted area.
Amid threats of withdrawal from the match, the ICC ultimately permitted the media manager to attend and record the conversation, albeit without audio, further violating tournament rules. Concerns have been raised as the ICC was not informed of how the footage would be utilized.
The situation escalated when the ICC condemned a PCB media statement that inaccurately claimed Pycroft had “apologised,” when he merely expressed regret regarding a miscommunication. Subsequent meetings also resulted in PCB media staff being denied entry due to stringent PMOA filming regulations. The ICC’s actions highlight its commitment to maintaining the integrity and protocols of the Asia Cup tournament.
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