New Delhi: Ravi Shastri took a dig at the Pakistan Cricket team while introducing Andy Pycroft, the senior official serving as match referee for the first Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Following the no-handshake incident in the India-Pakistan group stage match, Pycroft was accused by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of failing to uphold the spirit of the game, which led to a major controversy during the Asia Cup 2025.
Shastri gave Pycroft an animated introduction
Shastri gave Pycroft an animated introduction during the first Test toss, jokingly bringing up all the drama that had surrounded the Asia Cup in Dubai.
“Back in the house, all the way from Dubai, in the hot seat. Andy Pycroft,” said Shastri during the toss as Pycroft had a shy smile on his face, acknowledging what the introduction was all about.
West Indies win the toss and elect to bat first in the 1st Test against #TeamIndia
For more updates – https://t.co/Dhl7RtjvWY #INDvWI #1stTEST #TeamIndia @IDFCfirstbank pic.twitter.com/0aTIgdLXD7
— BCCI (@BCCI) October 2, 2025
Following team India refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s team during the group stage match on September 14, the PCB lodged an official complaint with the ICC, calling for Pycroft’s removal for the rest of the tournament. PCB threatened to boycott the competition if their demands were not addressed.
PCB lodged an official complaint against Pycroft
The ICC declined the request, stating that the complaint had no merit, as Pycroft had only communicated a message from the BCCI to the Pakistan team. As a result, the match between Pakistan and the UAE was delayed by an hour while the PCB considered its options.
Minutes before the Pakistan vs UAE match was set to begin, the PCB released a statement saying that Pycroft had apologized for the miscommunication during the group stage game against India.
The PCB also posted a video on social media that showed Pycroft speaking with coach Mike Hesson and Pakistan captain Salman Agha, but it was mute.
Raja falsely alleged that Pycroft acted as India’s fixer
During a press conference with former board chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi was present as Raja falsely alleged that Pycroft acted as India’s fixer.
“I have always seen that Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. I think he is a permanent fixer for the Indian team. He has officiated in 90 Indian games. This is blatant, this is one-sided, and it shouldn’t happen like that. This is a neutral platform. But anyway, I just hope better sense prevails,” Raja had told reporters.
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Ravi Shastri took a dig at the Pakistan Cricket tam while introducing Andy Pycroft, the senior official serving as match referee for the first Test between India and West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Shastri gave Pycroft an animated introduction during the first Test toss, jokingly bringing up all the drama that had surrounded the Asia Cup in Dubai.
PCB lodged an official complaint with the ICC, calling for Pycroft’s removal for the rest of the tournament.
The ICC declined the request, stating that the complaint had no merit, as Pycroft had only communicated a message from the BCCI to the Pakistan team.
