“In the hot seat…” - Ravi Shastri gives a cheeky introduction for Andy Pycroft during the toss of India vs West Indies 1st Test

Former Team India head coach and presenter Ravi Ashwin caught the limelight while introducing the match referee for the first Test between India and West Indies, Andy Pycroft, who was the center of attraction during India vs Pakistan group stage clash in the Asia Cup 2025 campaign, on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.

Advertisment

During the toss at Narendra Modi Stadium on Thursday, October 2, Shastri cheekily introduced Pycroft, who had a sheepish smile, indicating he was clearly aware of the reference to the issue he was part of a few weeks earlier.

“Back in the house, all the way from Dubai, in the hot seat. Andy Pycroft," Shastri said at the toss.

For the unversed, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against the match referee Andy Pycroft, demanding to replace him for violating the ICC Code of Conduct, for their upcoming games in the Asia Cup 2025 campaign after Indian players decided not to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the group stage clash.

Moreover, Pakistani players tried to boycott their next clash against the United Arab Emirates. However, eventually, they played the game after a one-hour delay. Additionally, ICC also decided to reject their complaint.

On the other hand, ahead of the UAE clash, the PCB also released a statement claiming that Pycroft had apologised for the earlier “miscommunication” during the India vs Pakistan group stage affair.

Meanwhile, the former PCB Chairman Rameez Raja had stated that Andy Pycroft has always favored Team India in the past, adding that he is a permanent fixer for the India matches and termed it one-sided.

Advertisment

“I have always seen that Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. I think he is a permanent fixer for the Indian team. He has officiated in 90 Indian games. This is blatant, this is one-sided, and it shouldn't happen like that. This is a neutral platform. But anyway, I just hope better sense prevails,” Raja said.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!