Veteran cricket commentator Harsha Bhogle has weighed in on Pakistan’s standoff with the International Cricket Council (ICC), after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup 2025. Taking to social media, Bhogle remarked: “The lesson for all of us is that you must never issue an ultimatum you cannot enforce. It makes you look weak.”
The timeline of the controversy
The dispute began on September 14, when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation following a handshake controversy with India. The next day, team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a complaint with the ICC, accusing Pycroft of siding with India, and demanded his removal from all Pakistan fixtures.
On September 16, the ICC rejected PCB’s request, leading Pakistan to threaten a boycott of their Group A match against the United Arab Emirates. They also cancelled their pre-match press conference, although practice went ahead. The PCB doubled down by writing another letter to the ICC.
On September 17, confusion deepened when Pakistan delayed their departure from the hotel, pushing the game start back by an hour. Reports suggested the PCB requested a further postponement while still pressing for Pycroft’s removal, even as the team bus eventually made its way to the stadium.
A must-win game under a cloud
The Pakistan vs UAE clash is crucial, with elimination looming if Pakistan boycott the fixture. Bhogle’s sharp observation highlighted the optics of issuing threats that could not realistically be enforced, casting a shadow over the team’s already tense campaign.
