ICC Rejects PCB Demand, Pak Players Come To Ground After Pycroft 'Apology'

Pakistan withdrew its pullout threat and showed up for a crucial Asia Cup game against the UAE here on Wednesday but not before causing a delay and claiming that it received an "apology" from match referee Andy Pycroft, who was retained by the ICC despite the country's repeated demand for his removal.

- Press Trust of India

Pycroft tendered an "apology for miscommunication" during Pakistan's game against India last Sunday in which Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with rival skipper Salman Ali Agha as a gesture of solidarity with the victims of Pahalgham terrorist attack.

Pakistan lodged two separate complaints with the ICC for the removal of Pycroft but the world body summarily rejected both.

The logjam ended after Pycroft “apologised” to the manager and captain of the Pakistani cricket team for "prohibiting" the handshake at toss on Sunday.