Cricket Controversy: PCB Film Sparks ICC Protocol Debate

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has defended its decision to allow a media manager to film a meeting involving match referee Andy Pycroft and team officials ahead of their Asia Cup match against the United Arab Emirates. The PCB claims the filming was within International Cricket Council (ICC) protocols.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta wrote to the PCB citing multiple violations of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code. These included recording an interaction involving coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema without consent. The ICC also questioned a PCB press release that claimed Pycroft had apologised, which the ICC clarified was merely regret over a miscommunication.

The PCB, however, maintains that media managers are authorized to use cameras in the PMOA under existing protocols. Despite this defense, the ICC has flagged the situation as a breach, highlighting ongoing tensions and procedural concerns between the two cricket bodies.

(With inputs from agencies.)