The Pakistan Cricket Board’s demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup after the handshake row has headlined all talk surrounding the tournament. It is understood that Sanjog Gupta, ICC CEO, personally fronted the top body’s response in negotiations with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and COO Salman Naseer. The PCB alleged that Pycroft acted in a “partisan” manner during the high-voltage India–Pakistan group match in Dubai on September 14, claiming he advised captains against routine protocols such as the customary post-match handshake. Pakistan formally requested Richie Richardson to replace Pycroft for their remaining matches. After a series of exchanges, the ICC concluded that Pycroft had not breached any officiating standards.In light of the above-mentioned incidents, Pakistan even threatened a pull-out from the match and also ‘stopped’ their players from boarding the team bus even though their kits and gear had been boarded. This resulted in a one-hour delay and the game which was scheduled for 8:00PM IST got underway at 9:00PM. Moreover, Pycroft was also seen in his position ahead of the toss for the Pakistan-UAE clash.While the governing body agreed to a limited inquiry into the matter, Gupta stood firm against calls for a temporary replacement, cautioning that such a move without evidence would “set a dangerous precedent and undermine the authority of match officials.”Away from the controversy, Pakistan sealed their progression into the Super 4s with a 41-run win over the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. Defending 146 for 9, Pakistan’s bowlers bundled the hosts out for 105. Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing Alishan Sharafu for 12, while Abrar Ahmed dismissed skipper Muhammad Waseem for 14.
Who is Sanjog Gupta ?
Gupta, who assumed office as ICC CEO on July 7, has a long and diverse background in sports administration and broadcasting. He began his career as a journalist before joining Star India (now JioStar) in 2010, moving up through leadership roles in content, programming and strategy. As Head of Sports at Disney & Star India from 2020, he oversaw portfolio expansion with an emphasis on long-term growth and operational efficiency.
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He has been credited with steering innovations such as multi-language coverage, digital-first formats and women-centric game coverage, while also shaping the rise of ICC tournaments and the IPL, alongside domestic leagues including the Pro Kabaddi League and Indian Super League.Gupta’s impressive CV includes nearly 15 years at Star TV Network as well. In an earlier interaction with with K Shriniwas Rao, Head of Content (Sports), Times Internet, on an episode of Bombay Sport Exchange (BSE), he emphasised that despite the surge in digital consumption, television remains a dominant force.“If you think that India has about 250-270 million households devoted only about 150-260 million currently have a living room device which they can watch any content on. That’s the headroom for growth for all living room devices,” he said on the episode in March, 2025.
