“Andy Pycroft is India favourite” - Ramiz Raja makes a startling statement after no-handshake controversy

Ramiz Raja comments on the no-handshake controversy, calling Andy Pycroft “India’s favourite” and sparking debate in cricket circles.

By Jack 18 Sep 2025 in Cricket

New Update

Former Pakistani cricketer and commentator Ramiz Raja has made a startling statement on the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, questioning his neutrality following the no-handshake controversy in the India vs Pakistan clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 campaign.

Speaking at a press conference in Lahore on Wednesday, Raja has asserted that Andy Pycroft has been a constant fixture in India’s matches whenever he is out there hosting tosses. Furthermore, Raja also claimed that Pycroft has officiated in more than 90 matches involving India.

"What's interesting is [...] Andy Pycroft is favourite [for the Indians]. Whenever I host tosses, he's always a permanent fixture over there," he said.

"This is something blatant for me because though I thought he had refereed several matches, stats seemingly show something one-sided. It should not be like this. This is a neutral platform, which is why there are referees and match officials. However, I felt that he was fixed there. But I hope that better sense prevails," he added.

For the unversed, PCB lodged an official complaint with the ICC, demanding that Andy Pycroft be replaced from their upcoming matches in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 campaign for violating the code of conduct. However, the ICC was quick to reject the PCB’s claims.

Interestingly, Pycroft went on to be the match referee in the Pakistan vs UAE clash on Wednesday, September 17. Before the start of the game, there was a lot of off-field drama involving the Pakistani team as they aimed for a boycott of the UAE game.

However, after a one-hour delay in the fixture, they went ahead with their participation in the game. Eventually, Pakistan bagged a 41-run win over the UAE and qualified for the Super Four stage. They will next lock horns with their arch-rivals India on Sunday, September 21.

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