Dubai/Lahore, September 17, 2025: Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has been confirmed to officiate the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 group-stage match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Media claimed citing sources on Wednesday.
The development comes despite the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) repeated objections to Pycroft’s role, holding him responsible for mishandling the controversial “handshake row” during Pakistan’s September 14 clash against arch-rivals India.
Earlier reports suggested Pycroft had left the stadium for the International Cricket Council (ICC) headquarters in Dubai, raising speculation that a replacement referee—possibly former West Indies captain Richie Richardson—might be appointed. However, fresh updates confirmed that Pycroft will oversee the Pakistan-UAE fixture as originally scheduled.
The game, initially set to start at 6:30pm PST, was delayed by an hour amid the ongoing standoff. PCB spokesperson Amir Mir announced that the toss would now take place at 7:00pm, with the first ball at 7:30pm. “We are still in the negotiation phase… Hopefully, we will get good news,” Mir told reporters at a press briefing in Lahore.
For several hours, uncertainty loomed as Pakistan players remained confined to their hotel. The team bus, parked outside, stood idle for over 30 minutes before the squad was finally instructed to depart. After receiving clearance from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, players were seen boarding the bus “in high spirits” en route to the Dubai International Stadium.
The PCB has lodged formal complaints with the ICC and MCC, accusing Pycroft of instructing players to skip the customary pre- and post-match handshakes during the India clash. The gesture, compounded by India’s refusal to acknowledge the Pakistani team after the game, sparked criticism across the cricketing fraternity.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation in protest, while the PCB warned it would not play under Pycroft’s supervision. Despite sending two letters demanding his removal, the ICC has stood firm, insisting he continue his duties.
With Pycroft confirmed as match referee, Pakistan has little choice but to take the field in their must-win clash against UAE. The outcome of the game will decide the second qualifier from Group A, with India already through to the Super Four stage.
