According to reports, PCB violated ICC regulations by recording and sharing video footage from inside the stadium on its official social media platforms without prior approval. The governing body was also not informed about how the content would be used.
One of the most serious violations occurred when PCB’s media manager filmed a pre-toss meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Salman Ali Agha, despite clear ICC instructions barring media managers from such proceedings.
Tensions between PCB and ICC had already escalated earlier in the week.
On September 14, Pakistan protested after Indian players refused post-match handshakes citing the Pahalgam attacks. In response, referee Pycroft prohibited handshakes altogether, a move that triggered heavy criticism from PCB, which boycotted the presentation ceremony.
The standoff deepened before the UAE match on September 17, which was delayed by an hour after Pakistan demanded Pycroft’s removal. The game eventually went ahead following negotiations involving the ICC and Asian Cricket Council.
Further controversy arose when PCB released a statement claiming Pycroft had “apologised” to the team management. ICC has since clarified that Pycroft only expressed regret over a miscommunication, not a formal apology.
With multiple breaches under scrutiny, the ICC has hinted at potential disciplinary action against PCB and confirmed it may investigate possible Code of Conduct violations linked to the incident.
