ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, who took charge in July 2025, played a decisive role in turning down Pakistan’s attempt to have match referee Andy Pycroft removed from the Asia Cup.
The controversy began after the India–Pakistan clash in Dubai when PCB accused Pycroft of preventing the customary handshake between the two teams. Pakistan lodged a formal protest, demanding Richie Richardson replace him as referee for their remaining games.
Led by Gupta, the ICC dismissed the request, asserting there was “no valid reason” to sideline Pycroft. An internal review found the Zimbabwean official had acted within the rules and Code of Conduct. Despite internal suggestions to compromise by assigning a different referee for Pakistan’s UAE match, Gupta refused, stating such concessions would weaken match officials’ authority.
This incident highlighted Gupta’s leadership style: firm, professional, and resistant to political pressure. The ICC’s stance is being viewed as a signal that governance will be based on due process, not appeasement.
Appointed in July 2025 after a global search, Gupta is the first Indian to lead the ICC. With a background in sports broadcasting at Star and JioStar, he is credited with pioneering digital-first coverage, multilingual feeds, and bringing global sports to Indian audiences. His vision includes driving cricket into the Olympic movement by 2028.