Dubai, September 17, 2025: International Cricket Council’s (ICC) controversial match referee Andy Pycroft has apologized to the Pakistan cricket team’s manager and captain over the handshake row that overshadowed the September 14 India–Pakistan Asia Cup clash.
According to the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) media department, Pycroft admitted that the incident—where he prevented both captains from shaking hands—was the result of a miscommunication. He expressed regret for his actions after the PCB strongly protested the matter. The ICC, meanwhile, has agreed to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 fixture.
On the field, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) won the toss and elected to bowl first against Pakistan in the 10th match of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other three times in T20 internationals, with the Green Shirts emerging victorious on all occasions. The UAE, however, enter this fixture with renewed confidence following their win over Oman, despite losing their opener to India.
Pakistan, who also defeated Oman but suffered a loss to India, go into the match with a stronger net run rate. Both sides regard today’s clash as crucial to their hopes of advancing to the Super Four stage of the tournament.
