The Pakistan cricket team has confirmed participation in their final Group A fixture against the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025. The crucial encounter will be staged in Dubai and had earlier been clouded by uncertainty due to administrative disputes.

The controversy revolved around the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing conflict with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding match referee Andy Pycroft. PCB had raised objections over his involvement, even hinting at extreme measures if their concerns were ignored. However, despite the standoff, Pakistan agreed to move forward with the fixture.

Originally slated for a 7:30 pm IST start at the Dubai International Stadium, the do-or-die match has now been shifted to an 8:30 pm IST start. The change in timing was made following PCB’s request, allowing the team more preparation time for what is seen as a must-win clash to keep their campaign alive.

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The Pakistan-UAE Clash Delays 1 Hour:

Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign faced heavy uncertainty as reports suggested Salman Ali Agha’s side was told to stay back at the hotel until an official decision came through. Rumors quickly spread that Pakistan might skip the crucial clash against UAE, a move that would automatically eliminate them from the tournament and end their hopes of progressing further.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called in its former chairmen, Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, for a meeting with current chairman Mohsin Naqvi at the board’s headquarters. The discussions were held amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding the team’s Asia Cup campaign.

During the meeting, the PCB formally requested a delay in Pakistan’s crucial Group A fixture against the UAE. The request sought to push the start time back by one hour to allow further talks over the ongoing controversy. Tournament authorities accepted the appeal, officially authorizing the rescheduling and providing Pakistan additional time to address the matter.

Speaking from Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir stated, “ They are discussing the issue and are in touch with Dubai over the matter. The match has been delayed by an hour for now.”

The uncertainty was finally resolved after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced that Pakistan’s players had been instructed to head to the stadium. Taking to social media, Naqvi shared the update, confirming that the team would participate in their crucial Group A encounter, putting an end to all speculation surrounding their withdrawal. He tweeted, “ We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”

The Handshake Fiasco Between India and Pakistan:

The Pakistan Cricket Board’s recent actions stem from Sunday’s high-profile Asia Cup clash between India and Pakistan, where an unexpected controversy emerged. Players from the Indian side chose not to shake hands with their rivals before or after the match, sparking heated debate.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav later explained that the move was intentional. According to him, it was a symbolic gesture to honour the victims of the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack. He further emphasized that the decision also served as a mark of respect for the Indian Armed Forces, who executed Operation Sindoor in response.

Pakistan reacted strongly to the incident, with skipper Salman skipping the post-match presentation in protest. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), condemned India’s conduct as “unsporting.” 

Soon after, Pakistan’s team manager formally complained to the ACC, alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains to avoid the customary handshake at the toss, describing the move as “serious misconduct.”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) escalated the matter by approaching the ICC, demanding the removal of Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup referee panel and even threatening to withdraw from the tournament. 

However, the ICC refused to accept their request, prompting intervention from senior UAE officials. They cautioned that broadcaster commitments, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales could all be adversely affected. As a compromise, it was suggested that Pycroft be excluded only from Pakistan’s matches, with Richie Richardson stepping in for the UAE clash.

According to a PTI report, PCB later sent a second letter to the ICC, reiterating its demand for Pycroft’s removal. Once again, the appeal was rejected. Interestingly, Pycroft was initially seen at the Dubai International Stadium but left later, hinting that the proposed compromise was eventually adopted.