Picture Credit: X
The Pakistan cricket team has been part of a major uproar in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, underway in the United Arab Emirates. After a smooth start in the competition, the Pakistan team was marred with series of controversies following their written application over the handshake row, which took place after India’s seven-wicket win.
While that wasn’t the only thing as the Pakistan Cricket Board requested ICC for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who was blamed for the handshake incident, marring a new controversy. In the aftermath of the same, the Men in Green also threatened to withdraw from the competition and not play game against UAE. However, after interim talks, they eventually decided to play the game, but their one-hour delay further got them into the attention of the ICC, which had written to the PCB over “various violations”.
Pakistan defends media manager after ICC’s claim of “multiple violations” of PMOA
Hours after ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta had written to the PCB citing “multiple violations” of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code, the PCB has now defended their media manager, stating that filming is part of ICC protocol. "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 source said, outlining the board's response.
According to the PCB, existing protocols allow media managers to use cameras in the PMOA. "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 further added.
It is to be noted that the Pakistan cricket team’s media manager filmed a meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft and team officials, including head coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha ahead of their game against UAE.
