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Pakistan's Ramiz Raja Calls Referee Andy Pycroft India’s "Permanent Fixer"
Follow UsRamiz made the comments after Pakistan protested and arrived late for their Asia Cup 2025 clash against the UAE
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman and former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has accused match referee Andy Pycroft of being biased towards India, even calling him their “fixer.” Ramiz made the comments after Pakistan protested and arrived late for their Asia Cup 2025 clash against the UAE in Dubai on September 17 (Wednesday).
The controversy originated from Pakistan’s earlier match against India on September 14, when Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani opponents. The PCB expressed its displeasure and lodged a complaint, claiming that India had violated the spirit of cricket. They also accused Pycroft of facilitating India’s avoidance of the handshake and demanded his removal as match referee - a request that the ICC ultimately rejected.
In protest, Pakistan’s players and support staff initially refused to board the team bus for the UAE game, delaying the start by an hour. They eventually agreed to play, with Pycroft still officiating.
“It is a win for us. It was a critical situation. Emotions were running high. I am happy that we didn't take an emotional decision. Our cricket would have been damaged that we gone with the boycott decision. I have always believed this, that all the talking needs to be done by our cricket team. The frustration should be shown on the field and it should inspire us to do better,” said Ramiz, as quoted by the Hindustan Times.
“My biggest objection was what was said in the post-match presentation (by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav). That editorial was the critical point. If the apology has come, then it's good. If cricket turns into a political ground, then nothing can be achieved.
“I just hope that our cricket team does better. I have always seen that Andy Pycroft is the favourite for Team India. I think he is a permanent fixer over there when it comes to 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.”
On the field, Pakistan defeated the UAE by 41 runs, securing their place in the Super Four. They will next face India on September 21 (Sunday).