Dubai, September 17, 2025: Pakistan is preparing to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final Group A match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, though the fixture remains clouded by controversy over the appointment of the match referee.
According to sources, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has refused to accept Zimbabwean official Andy Pycroft, holding him responsible for mishandling the fallout from Sunday’s high-profile clash against India. Pakistan has demanded his replacement and is pressing for West Indies referee Richie Richardson to oversee the game.
Insiders said the team will only take the field if Pycroft is replaced, warning that Pakistan could even withdraw from the tournament should the International Cricket Council (ICC) reject their demand. The PCB has already sent a second letter to the ICC after its initial request was turned down, reaffirming that the team will not play under Pycroft’s supervision.
The controversy stems from Sunday’s India–Pakistan encounter, when players from both sides skipped customary pre- and post-match handshakes. India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube congratulated only their teammates, prompting Pakistan players to limit handshakes to within their own side. Skipper Salman Ali Agha later boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony, further fueling tensions.
Despite the standoff, Pakistan resumed training at the ICC Academy ahead of the must-win fixture, though their scheduled pre-match press conference was abruptly cancelled. An official ICC announcement on the referee issue is expected soon, as the governing body struggles to defuse the crisis.
Meanwhile, India has already qualified for the Super Four stage after winning both of their group matches. UAE’s victory over Oman eliminated the latter from contention, leaving Wednesday’s Pakistan-UAE clash to decide the second qualifier from Group A. Pakistan currently holds an edge over UAE due to a superior net run rate.
