PCB Defends Media Manager Amid ICC Protocol Breach Allegations

Abu Dhabi, Sep 19 (PTI) The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) firmly defended its media manager's decision to film a meeting between match referee Andy Pycroft and the team's officials before their Asia Cup encounter against the UAE. The board claimed that the action adhered to International Cricket Council (ICC) protocols.

On Thursday, ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta communicated to the PCB, highlighting "multiple violations" of the Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) code. This included recording the interaction involving coach Mike Hesson, captain Salman Ali Agha, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema.

The ICC's message also questioned a PCB press release. The release claimed Pycroft had apologized, whereas the ICC clarified that the referee merely expressed regret over a miscommunication caused by an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager.

A tournament source, detailing the board's response, stated, "The team's media manager is part of the squad and has authorized access to the PMOA. His presence there is not a violation."

The PCB asserted that current protocols permit media managers to utilize cameras in the PMOA. They suggested, "If the Standard Operating Procedure was not followed, the ICC should consult with the (match) referee to see if the matter was reported to the Anti-Corruption Unit (ACU)."

Nonetheless, when contacted by PTI, a tournament source confirmed that the ICC match official flagged the issue to the Pakistan team's ACU official, who acknowledged it.

Earlier, the global body was explicit in its communication to the PCB, stating, "The ICC, in order to preserve the interest of the sport, the tournament, and the stakeholders involved, accepted PCB's request although this demonstrated a complete disregard for the sanctity of the PMOA, where the meeting took place."

The controversy began when Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The PCB lodged a complaint with the ICC, alleging the match referee violated 'Spirit of the Game' protocols and requested his removal from the tournament or from Pakistan's matches.

The ICC dismissed PCB's allegations and supported its elite panel match referee, emphasizing that he was simply conveying a message from the ACC venue manager.

It is apparent that the cricketing community has not seen the end of this controversy.

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