Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday was thrown into confusion after the ICC refused to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, despite Pakistan’s objections. Hours before the scheduled start in Dubai, uncertainty clouded over the fixture as Pakistan players remained at their hotel even after their bags had been loaded onto the team bus. Confusion deepened when the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) deleted its posts about the game, fuelling speculation that Pakistan might not take the field. The stand-off stemmed from the fallout of the “no-handshake” controversy following Pakistan’s defeat to India earlier in the tournament. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation, but an ICC inquiry ruled that he “did not breach any match protocols” and, in fact, had “helped prevent potential embarrassment for both captains by informing them that the organisers had decided to skip the handshake at the toss.”
Stressing its position, the ICC stated, “Appointment of match officials is a centralised ICC decision and it can’t be influenced by considerations of any member board. This would set a dangerous precedence for the future.” Despite the ruling, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi held consultations with former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, while spokesperson Amir Mir announced that the start had been pushed back an hour. “The consultation process is ongoing… Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” Mir confirmed. Speculation over a possible forfeit intensified after Geo News reported Pycroft had left the Dubai International Stadium for ICC headquarters. At the same time, Raja and Sethi were seen arriving at the PCB office in Lahore, with a press conference room prepared for a possible announcement. Eventually, Naqvi moved to end the uncertainty, posting, “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.” By then, the UAE side was already at the ground, highlighting Pakistan’s awkward position as the row over Pycroft left their campaign in controversy and embarrassment.Paksitan is now left in an awkward spot as they now play the game despite initially ‘stopping’ their players from boarding the team hotel, appealing to ICC and even with talks of a boycott. Despite all of Pakistan’s efforts, Andy Pycroft is the match referee for the clash.
