The Pakistan–UAE Asia Cup match in Dubai was covered in confusion on Wednesday evening as a ‘standoff’ between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) raised doubts over whether the fixture would go ahead. The controversy was centered around Pakistan’s objection to Andy Pycroft officiating as match referee in their game against UAE. The ICC confirmed that it had already investigated the matter and cleared the match referee of any wrongdoing, stating that “appointment of match officials is a centralised ICC decision and it can’t be influenced by considerations of any member board.” It also noted that this would set a dangerous precedent for the future. ICC officials further noted that Pycroft “did not breach any match protocols; in fact, he helped prevent potential embarrassment for both captains by informing them that the organisers had decided to skip the handshake at the toss.”On the day of the match, by late afternoon in Dubai, Pycroft had arrived at the stadium, even as speculation mounted over Pakistan’s participation. Reports suggested that Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi had been invited by the PCB for consultations. Preparations were also underway for a press conference, with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi expected to clarify the board’s stance. Meanwhile, the UAE squad reached the ground as scheduled, but the Pakistan team remained at their hotel. Our reporter in Dubai confirmed that the players had been stopped from leaving despite their kit bags already being loaded onto the bus. Confusion increased when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) deleted its scheduled match post from social media. The PCB also cancelled its pre-match press conference, adding to speculation of a possible forfeit. A Geo News report stated that Pycroft had left the venue for the ICC headquarters. Simultaneously, the PCB’s top brass, including Naqvi, Raja and Sethi, met in Lahore to decide their course of action. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir then announced that the game, initially set for 8:00 pm IST, would be delayed by an hour. “The consultation process is ongoing and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is discussing with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi and on the other hand, online negotiations are also going on with Dubai. Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” he said.The Pakistan squad was finally instructed to leave for the Dubai International Stadium. Soon after, Naqvi confirmed the same on social media with a post on X. “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”
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The official start time was rescheduled for 9:00 pm IST, though uncertainty still loomed over the match.
