Lahore/Dubai, September 17, 2025: The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was delayed by an hour on Wednesday, as a dispute over match referee Andy Pycroft overshadowed preparations.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that the game, originally scheduled to begin at 7:30pm PST, will now start at 8:30pm, with the toss at 8pm. The delay came after the national team initially refused to leave their hotel in Dubai, insisting on Pycroft’s removal following the controversy from Sunday’s Pakistan–India match.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on X that the team had been instructed to travel to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after internal consultations. “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” he wrote. Players were later seen boarding the bus “in high spirits,” officials said.
Earlier, PCB adviser Amir Mir told reporters that consultations were underway at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. “PCB chairman is holding deliberations with former PCB chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi,” he said, confirming that the match had been pushed back by an hour.
PCB’s protest against Pycroft
The row stems from the September 14 Pakistan–India fixture, when the customary pre- and post-match handshakes were skipped. Pakistan alleges Pycroft instructed the omission, a move that coincided with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates avoiding handshakes altogether, citing government and board directives.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony in protest, while the PCB lodged a formal complaint with both the International Cricket Council (ICC) and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC).
Since then, the PCB has twice written to the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal. Sources said the board rejected the ICC’s initial refusal to act, calling its inquiry into the matter “a mere formality” that failed to examine all aspects or consult relevant parties. The PCB has threatened to boycott matches overseen by Pycroft.
Possible replacement
With mounting pressure, the ICC has yet to confirm its stance. However, insiders suggest former West Indies captain Richie Richardson is likely to be appointed as referee for Pakistan’s match against the UAE.
“The team will only take the field if a formal confirmation of the referee change is received,” sources said.
Context and stakes
The controversy has placed the ICC in a difficult position, balancing Pakistan’s firm stance with the need to keep the tournament on track. For Pakistan, the stakes are high: Wednesday’s fixture is decisive in determining the second qualifier from Group A, with India already through to the Super Four stage.
Despite the turbulence, officials expressed optimism that Pakistan would feature in the fixture, with the players instructed to be match-ready once clearance is secured.
