Asia Cup 2025: ICC Pulls Up Pakistan Over Misconduct – Full List of Charges Explained

The Asia Cup 2025 has taken a controversial turn after the International Cricket Council (ICC) flagged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for multiple instances of “misconduct as violation”. These charges stem from Pakistan’s dramatic clash against the UAE, where several unusual events unfolded both before and after the game. The ICC has formally communicated its concerns to the PCB, raising the possibility of disciplinary action.

What Pakistan Is Accused Of

1. Repeated PMOA Breaches

The ICC alleges that Pakistan violated rules governing the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA). Reports suggest that unauthorised individuals were allowed inside restricted areas ahead of the UAE match.

• Why it matters: The PMOA is designed to protect the integrity of conversations between referees, captains, and team management. Any unauthorised presence can compromise confidentiality.

2. Unauthorized Filming of a Referee Meeting

One of the most serious charges is that Pakistan’s media manager, Naeem Gillani, filmed a private meeting involving match referee Andy Pycroft, skipper Salman Ali Agha, and coach Mike Hesson.

• Why it matters: ICC regulations strictly prohibit recording such interactions. Allowing media staff to film behind closed doors undermines neutrality and confidentiality.

3. Misrepresentation in Public Statements

After the incident, the PCB issued a statement claiming that Pycroft had apologised to the team regarding the “handshake row” with India. However, the ICC clarified that Pycroft had only expressed regret over miscommunication, not an apology.

• Why it matters: Misleading public claims damage the credibility of match officials and can spread misinformation across fans and media.

4. Delaying the UAE Match & Threatening Withdrawal

The start of Pakistan’s game against the UAE was delayed by nearly an hour. Reports indicate that Pakistan had demanded Pycroft’s removal as referee and even hinted at pulling out of the match.

• Why it matters: Such actions disrupt tournament flow, impact scheduling, and are viewed by the ICC as deliberate attempts to pressure officials.

What Happens Next

• The ICC has asked the PCB to submit a formal explanation regarding the incidents.
• Depending on the response, Pakistan may face a disciplinary hearing under tournament regulations.
• Possible penalties range from official warnings and fines to harsher sanctions if non-compliance continues.

Why This Case Is Significant

The controversy goes beyond just one game. If the ICC decides to act strongly, this could:

• Set a clear precedent against unauthorised media access to referee meetings.
• Tighten enforcement of PMOA restrictions in all ICC tournaments.
• Highlight the risks of misrepresentation by cricket boards in official communications.

From unauthorized filming to match delays, the allegations against Pakistan are serious enough to warrant ICC intervention. As the Asia Cup heads into its decisive stages, the cricketing world now waits to see how the PCB responds — and whether the ICC’s next move will bring fines, sanctions, or a stronger precedent for discipline in global cricket.