PCB Faces Possible ICC Sanctions Over PMOA Violation Amid No-Handshake Saga

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) could face serious sanctions if the International Cricket Council (ICC) finds it guilty of violating Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocols during the Asia Cup. The controversy unfolded ahead of Pakistan’s Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was delayed by an hour after the PCB sought the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.

Under ICC’s Anti-Corruption Unit rules, mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside the PMOA. However, Pakistan’s team manager breached this protocol and recorded a conversation between Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, and coach Mike Hesson. The PCB later posted the video on its social media platforms, claiming Pycroft had apologised for the “no-handshake” incident that followed Pakistan’s loss to India.

Notably, the clip was shared without audio, leaving the content of the conversation unclear. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta has since written to the PCB, flagging the violation and seeking clarification, raising the possibility of financial penalties.

How the controversy unfolded: Timeline of events

• September 14: After India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai, India captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refuse to shake hands with their rivals. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skips the post-match presentation in protest, while coach Mike Hesson voices frustration.

• September 15: PCB files a complaint with the ICC, accusing match referee Andy Pycroft of siding with India, and demands his removal.

• September 16: ICC rejects PCB’s request to replace Pycroft. In response, Pakistan cancels its pre-match press conference, though it holds a net session. PCB follows up with a second letter reiterating its demand.

• September 17: Pakistan players are told to remain in their hotel, delaying the UAE fixture by an hour. PCB claims Pycroft apologised to the captain, coach, and manager, later releasing a muted video of their exchange.

• September 17: PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi, alongside former heads Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, addresses the media in Lahore. Naqvi stresses that Pycroft apologised and called for sports and politics not to be mixed. Raja goes further, branding Pycroft “India’s fixer.” Pakistan beats UAE to qualify for the Super 4s.

• September 18: ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta issues a strongly worded email to PCB over the PMOA breach, seeking clarification on why the Pakistan manager recorded the meeting.

The ICC is now reviewing the matter, and any sanctions will depend on the outcome of its inquiry into the PCB’s conduct.