The ICC protocol dispute has taken center stage after the International Cricket Council (ICC) accused the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of violating official rules during the Asia Cup in Dubai. The governing body said Pakistan’s team management broke Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) regulations by recording a meeting with match referee Andy Pycroft before their September 17 game against the UAE.
ICC Raises Strong Objection
According to ICC officials, the controversy began when Pakistan insisted on filming a pre-match meeting with Pycroft. The ICC confirmed that using a mobile phone inside the PMOA is a clear breach of anti-corruption and security protocols. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta sent a strongly worded email to the PCB, calling the recording “misconduct” and citing “multiple violations” of the PMOA code.
The meeting involved Pakistan captain Salman Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, media manager Naeem Gillani, and ICC general manager of cricket Wasim Khan. When Gillani attempted to record the discussion, ICC officials immediately objected, pointing out that mobile phones were not permitted in the secure area.
Pakistan Insists on Recording
Despite the ICC’s objection, the PCB reportedly threatened to withhold the team from playing unless the meeting was recorded. After tense negotiations, a compromise was reached. Gillani was allowed to film the session but without audio. This partial concession allowed the match to proceed, but it did not prevent the ICC from later issuing a formal complaint.
Gupta’s email to the PCB made it clear that the recording still violated PMOA protocol. He stressed that the ICC viewed the action as a serious lapse in discipline and security.
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The Handshake Controversy
The meeting itself was arranged to resolve a separate dispute that had erupted days earlier during the high-profile India-Pakistan clash. At the toss of that match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha was instructed not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav. The unusual directive came minutes before the game and was relayed to Pycroft by the Dubai venue manager.
Pycroft explained during the Dubai meeting that he was only the messenger and not the decision-maker. He expressed regret for the “miscommunication and misunderstanding” surrounding the incident but did not issue a formal apology.
Conflicting Statements Add to Tension
After the meeting, the PCB released a public statement claiming Pycroft had apologised to the Pakistan captain and manager. The ICC quickly rejected this version of events. Gupta’s email to the PCB reiterated that Pycroft merely expressed regret for the confusion and never offered an official apology.
This difference in interpretation further strained relations between the two bodies. The ICC maintained that its inquiry into the handshake incident cleared Pycroft of any wrongdoing and supported his handling of the situation.
Threats to Withdraw from the Asia Cup
The tension escalated to the point where Pakistan threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup altogether. On the day of the Pakistan-UAE match, the PCB reportedly instructed players to remain at the hotel instead of traveling to the ground. The team waited as officials debated whether Pycroft would be allowed to officiate.
During urgent calls between the ICC and PCB, a proposal emerged to hold a face-to-face meeting with Pycroft before the match. This compromise eventually allowed the game to proceed, though it started an hour late.
ICC’s Firm Stand
Despite the eventual compromise, the ICC stood firm on its assessment. Gupta’s email described the PCB’s actions as a breach of trust and a violation of established security measures. He reminded the PCB that the PMOA is a restricted zone where mobile devices are prohibited to maintain integrity and prevent any chance of corruption.
The ICC’s stance also underscored its determination to enforce strict compliance with anti-corruption codes. Officials said such regulations are critical for protecting the sport’s credibility, especially in high-stakes tournaments like the Asia Cup.
Fallout and Future Implications
The episode has left relations between the ICC and PCB strained ahead of upcoming international tournaments. While the Asia Cup match eventually went ahead, the dispute over the protocol breach may prompt tighter oversight of future events.
For now, the ICC has not announced formal disciplinary measures, but insiders suggest the PCB could face sanctions or warnings if similar incidents occur again. The controversy has also sparked debate among cricket boards about balancing transparency with security in sensitive match-day areas.
The ICC protocol dispute serves as a reminder that off-field tensions can be as intense as on-field battles, especially when long-standing cricketing rivals are involved. With the Asia Cup continuing, both the ICC and PCB will need to navigate their next steps carefully to avoid further disruption to the tournament.
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