ICC Set to Sanction Pakistan For Violation During Asia Cup

The discord between the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the much-maligned 2025 Asia Cup is set to continue following the latest developments.

According to foreign media sources, the ICC is reportedly considering disciplinary measures against the PCB after concerns were raised about Pakistan breaching tournament protocols during the ongoing Asia Cup.

International reports indicate that the issue stems from Pakistan’s media manager filming a pre-match discussion in the restricted Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). The meeting in question involved ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, and head coach Mike Hesson ahead of a crucial group-stage clash against the UAE in Dubai.

The ICC is believed to be investigating whether prior permission was granted for the recording and whether the PCB disclosed how the footage would be used. The short clip, which surfaced on digital platforms, quickly fueled speculation about the protocols, adding another layer of intrigue to what has already been a controversial tournament.

The PCB used footage from the incident in a social media post, claiming that Andy Pycroft had “apologised” for his role in the handshake-gate controversy.

ائی سی سی کے میچ ریفری اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے پاکستانی کرکٹ ٹیم کے مینجر اور ٹیم کے کپتان سے معذرت کر لی۔

اینڈی پائی کرافٹ نے انڈیا پاکستان کے میچ میں دونوں ٹیموں کے کپتانوں کو مصافحہ کرنے سے منع کیا تھا۔

پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے اینڈی پائی کرافٹ کے اس عمل پر سخت رد عمل کا اظہار… pic.twitter.com/vyvUBsoSL6

— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 17, 2025

While no official statement has been issued by the ICC, sources suggest the governing body views the matter as a potential violation of the code governing media access in restricted areas. However, local journalists have challenged this claim, arguing that the team’s media manager has access to the PMOA and that no audio from the meeting was included in the PCB’s post.

This latest development comes as the PCB, already locked in a public dispute with the ICC over Pycroft’s role in the infamous handshake controversy against India, now faces fresh scrutiny.

For now, the cricketing fraternity awaits clarity on whether the ICC will proceed with formal action or seek an internal resolution. With tensions already running high, any ruling is likely to be closely watched in Pakistan and beyond.