Dubai: In one of his first major challenges as ICC Chief Executive Officer, Sanjog Gupta stood firm and rejected Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup.
The PCB had accused Pycroft of “partisan conduct” during the India vs Pakistan clash on September 14 in Dubai, claiming he instructed captains not to exchange team sheets and allegedly dissuaded Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha from shaking hands with India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The gesture became contentious after Yadav himself chose not to initiate a handshake, explaining later that it was meant as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and a show of solidarity with Indian armed forces conducting Operation Sindoor.
PCB’s Request and ICC’s Response
Pakistan formally requested that Pycroft be replaced, suggesting Richie Richardson as an alternative. But according to a Cricbuzz report, the ICC under Sanjog Gupta’s leadership flatly refused, concluding after an internal review that Pycroft had not breached any protocols or the Code of Conduct.
The back-and-forth reportedly included six emails exchanged — three from each side — with ICC asserting there was “no valid reason” to remove the veteran Zimbabwean referee.
Proposals were floated internally to placate PCB by replacing Pycroft just for the September 17 fixture against UAE, but Gupta blocked the idea, warning it would set a “dangerous precedent” and erode match officials’ authority.
Who is Sanjog Gupta?
Appointed ICC CEO in July 2025, Sanjog Gupta became the first Indian to hold the post. A respected strategist in global sports media, Gupta previously served as CEO of Sports & Live Experiences at JioStar, the media powerhouse formed after the Viacom18–Disney Star merger.
At Star India and Disney Star, Gupta revolutionised sports broadcasting with multi-language feeds, digital-first innovations, and expanded coverage of women’s sports. He played pivotal roles in elevating properties like the IPL, ICC events, ISL, and PKL, and popularised global events like the Premier League and Wimbledon in India.
Chosen as ICC CEO after a global recruitment that drew over 2,500 applicants from 25 countries, his appointment underscored ICC’s vision of expanding cricket’s global footprint, boosting digital innovation, and integrating the sport into the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
A Firm Start to His Tenure
Gupta’s refusal to accommodate PCB’s request is being hailed as a defining early act: professional, principled, and immune to political pressure. Within cricketing circles, it has sent a clear signal — match officials’ authority will not be undermined by lobbying or controversy.
As one insider put it: “Gupta drew the line early. It was about setting the tone for his leadership — fair, but firm.”