The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) defended its media manager’s decision to record a discussion between team officials and match referee Andy Pycroft prior to their Asia Cup match against the United Arab Emirates on Friday, arguing that the conduct was compliant with ICC regulations.
In a letter to the PCB on Thursday, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta mentioned “multiple violations” of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) policy, including the recording of the conversation between manager Naveed Akram Cheema, coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha.
The PCB news release that said Pycroft had apologized was also questioned by the ICC communication, which clarified that the referee had simply apologized for a misunderstanding brought on by an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager.
“The team’s media manager is part of the squad and has authorised access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation,” a tournament source said, outlining the board’s response.
The PCB claims that media managers are permitted to use cameras in the PMOA due to current rules.
“If the Standard Operating Procedure was not followed, the ICC should check with the (match) referee on whether the matter was reported to the ACU,” the source added.
Prior to this, the worldwide body’s email to the PCB was categorical.
“The ICC, in order to preserve the interest of the sport, the tournament and the stakeholders involved accepted PCB’s request although this demonstrated a complete disregard for the sanctity of the PMOA, where the meeting took place,” the source said.
The PCB complained to the ICC about the match referee breaking the “Spirit of the Game” rules when Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with his opposite number, Salman Ali Agha, and demanded that Pycroft be removed from the tournament or Pakistan’s matches.
In addition to rejecting PCB’s allegations, the ICC supported its elite panel match referee, making it apparent that he was only relaying the ACC venue manager’s message.
