The controversy surrounding Asia Cup match referee Andy Pycroft has intensified, and after Pakistan’s strong stance, the ICC has no option left except to remove the controversial match referee.


According to sources, the PCB wrote another letter to the ICC after its initial demand to replace the match referee was not accepted. In the reply, the PCB once again adopted a hard stance and rejected the decision not to take action against Andy Pycroft.


Sources revealed that in the response letter, Pakistan refused to play any match supervised by Andy Pycroft and made it clear that if the demand was not accepted, they would stick to their stance of boycotting.


According to sources, Pakistan also termed the ICC’s inquiry against the controversial referee as merely a formality, stating that neither all aspects were reviewed nor the relevant people were contacted during the investigation.


Sources said that Pakistan emphasized addressing all its reservations and added that Pakistan would only agree to play after the concerns are resolved and a formal announcement is made that the demand has been accepted.


Sources further added that after Pakistan’s strong stance, the ICC’s difficulties have increased, and an official announcement regarding the match referee is expected soon.


According to sources, after Pakistan’s firm position, the ICC has no choice but to remove the match referee from overseeing Pakistan matches.