IND vs PAK T20I / Who will be the match referee for the India-Pakistan match? A major update has emerged

IND vs PAK T20I: After impressive performances in the group stage of the Asia Cup 2025, India and Pakistan have reached the Super Four. The two teams will face off again on September 21st. India proved its superiority by defeating Pakistan by 7 wickets in the group stage, but the post-match handshake controversy made headlines. The Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistani players after the toss and the match, sparking widespread discussion in the cricket world.

Handshake controversy escalated tensions

After the India-Pakistan group stage match, there was considerable controversy surrounding the handshake. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) took a strong stance on the matter and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup. The PCB alleged that Pycroft did not take appropriate action in the matter. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) flatly rejected the PCB's demand. This controversy escalated tensions between the two countries beyond the cricket field.

Andy Pycroft reappointed as match referee

According to a recent PTI report, the ICC has once again appointed Andy Pycroft as match referee for the highly anticipated India-Pakistan Super Four match. A tournament source stated that Pycroft will be in charge of Sunday's high-voltage match. However, the ICC has not yet released the official list of match officials. The other match referee in the tournament is former West Indies captain Richie Richardson. It's worth noting that in the previous match, the Indian team, as a matter of policy, refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players, and Pycroft was the referee at that time.

PCB's threat delayed the start of the match

Following the handshake controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board had even threatened to withdraw from the tournament if Pycroft was not removed. On the day of another match between the UAE and Pakistan, PCB officials had lengthy discussions with the ICC and Pycroft, which resulted in the match starting an hour late instead of the scheduled 8 p.m. Pakistan won that match easily, securing its place in the Super Four. Pycroft was the referee in that match as well.

What will be the attitude of both teams in the Super Four?

Now that India and Pakistan are set to face off again in the Super Four, all eyes will be on not only the result of the match but also the behavior of the players. Will the Indian team once again refrain from handshakes? Will the PCB escalate the issue? And most importantly, will both teams display sportsmanship on the field? These questions are piqueing the interest of cricket fans.