PCB Defends Media Manager Amid ICC Row Over Filming in PMOA.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Friday defended its media manager after he filmed a meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft and team officials ahead of the Asia Cup clash against the UAE, insisting that the action was within ICC protocols.
The controversy began after ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta wrote to the PCB citing “multiple violations” of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code, including the recording of a discussion involving coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema.
The ICC also disputed a PCB press release that claimed Pycroft had apologised, clarifying that he had only expressed regret over a miscommunication by an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager.
In response, PCB sources said, “The team’s media manager is part of the squad and has authorised access to the PMOA. His presence and camera use are not violations.” The board further argued that ICC’s Standard Operating Procedures allow media managers to use cameras in restricted areas.
However, tournament officials confirmed to PTI that the matter was indeed reported by Pycroft to Pakistan’s Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU) representative.
The row originally stemmed from an on-field incident when Suryakumar Yadav declined to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha, prompting Pakistan to lodge a complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of breaching the “Spirit of the Game.” The ICC rejected the demand to remove Pycroft from the tournament, fully backing its elite match referee.
While the ICC has warned the PCB about “complete disregard for the sanctity” of the PMOA, the board maintains it acted within guidelines—suggesting the standoff is far from over.
Comments are closed.