![Pakistan fans triggered over Andy Pycroft [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1772525548049_AndyPycroft.jpg?type=hq)
Pakistan fans triggered over Andy Pycroft [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/x]
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has unveiled the list of all match officials for the upcoming semi-final stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
On March 3, i.e., a day before the first semi-final in Kolkata, the apex body has confirmed the two on-field umpires, the third and fourth umpires as well as the match referee for both impending knockout fixtures.
Notably, the ICC has appointed controversial figure Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the IND vs ENG semi-final, set to be played on March 5 at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Pycroft’s appointment seems to have triggered a major section of Pakistan fans, who are alleging “match fixing” on part of the ICC.
Pakistan fans accuse ICC of match-fixing India vs England semi-final
The IND vs ENG semi-final has been “fixed” by the ICC, at least as per a section of Pakistan cricket fans.
While the Pakistan team failed to qualify for the semifinals of the tournament, despite playing all their matches in close proximity and travelling the least among all competing teams, the ‘Men in Green’ are now crying foul over the appointment of Andy Pycroft as the match referee.
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Pycroft, who holds a notorious history with the Pakistan team and its fans, has often been accused of favoring the Indian team. Here is a look at some of the Pakistan fans accusing the ICC of “fixing” the IND vs ENG semi-final of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Why do Pakistan fans hate Andy Pycroft?
Andy Pycroft’s notorious history with Pakistan fans can be traced back to the 2025 Men’s T20 Asia Cup in the UAE last year. The tournament was noted for the “handshake-gate” controversy between India and Pakistan players, especially considering the eight-team event was organized in the aftermath of a cross-border conflict between the two geo-political rival nations.
In the Group A match between India and Pakistan on September 14, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav as well as his players refrained from shaking hands with their ‘Men in Green’ counterparts before and after the match. The PCB raised the objection over the same, and accused match referee Andy Pycroft of playing a part.
The Pakistan team even delayed its subsequent match against UAE by an hour, to protest for the removal of Pycroft from the tournament. The former Zimbabwe cricketer ended up officiating in the remaining games as per the original listing.
Even though there is no proof of any wrongdoing, the experienced Zimbabwean referee appears to have remained a target of resentment among a section of Pakistan fans ever since.
Semi-finalists locked as Pakistan reaches home
The first semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup will be played between South Africa and New Zealand on March 4 at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. The second semi-final will be hosted by the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai the following day with a match between England and hosts India.
The Pakistan team, meanwhile, has reached home following its failure in making it to the knockouts of the tournament. This past weekend, Pakistan barely escaped with a five-run win over Sri Lanka in a game where they were required to secure a result of 64 or more runs to boost up its NRR.
Also Read- Another International Series Destructed After T20 World Cup Due To USA-Iran War
