The handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025 has been stretched for three days post Pakistan’s seven-wicket defeat to India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Their cricket board initially threatened to withdraw from the competition with a demand to the ICC to remove the match referee, Andy Prycroft, from the rest of the tournament.

But once ICC dismissed the request, the PCB took a U-turn and reignited its protest against Pycroft, sending a second letter late night on September 16, reiterating its demand for the referee’s removal from officiating Pakistan’s remaining encounters of the ongoing competition. In that case, West Indies’ Richie Richardson is expected to officiate all of the game of the Salman Ali Agha-led side.

See Also: 'Who talks about dignity..."- Yousuf Yohana gives bizarre explanation to abusive comment on Suryakumar Yadav

With victories against Oman for both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, they are scheduled to lock horns on September 17 in Dubai. It will be a do-or-die clash for both sides, with the winner joining India, earning the tickets for the Super 4 stage of the event. If Pakistan ends up boycotting the game, the Muhammed Waseem-led side will automatically qualify for the next stage.

Furious Pakistan consider withdrawing from UAE clash in Asia Cup 2025 for handshake controversy

The beginning of the incident was at the toss of the India vs Pakistan game when Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Salman Agha. It has been reported that Pycroft requested the latter to accept the stance. Later, after nailing the winning six, Sky went off the field with his partner, Shivam Dube, while the other Indian members went upstairs and locked themselves in the dressing room.

Sky, during the match presentation ceremony, dedicated the victory to the Pahalgam victims and the Armed Forces of the country. “We stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all.” The Indian captain addressed the presentation.

In protest of India’s stance, PCB didn’t send their captain to the presentation, while only Shaheen Afridi came to collect his award. Even on the eve of their UAE clash, Pakistan didn’t hold any press conference despite going through their practice session at the ICC Academy.

Pakistan are set to take on the United Arab Emirates in Match No. 10 of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 17. The clash holds massive significance as the winner will secure a place in the Super Four. After suffering a heavy seven-wicket defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India, Pakistan find themselves under pressure. With one win from two matches, the Men in Green must overcome the UAE challenge to keep their campaign alive.

See Also: Rohit Sharma to train at BCCI CoE ahead of Australia ODI series

The UAE, on the other hand, come into this match with renewed confidence after defeating Oman in their previous outing. A victory against Pakistan would not only boost their points tally but also mark a historic moment for Emirati cricket, as it would confirm their first-ever qualification into the Super Four. While Pakistan hold a net run-rate advantage from their big win over Oman, complacency could prove costly against a determined UAE side.

Asia Cup 2025, Match 10, Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates: Live Streaming Details

Asia Cup 2025, Match 10, Pakistan vs United Arab Emirates: Probable Playing XI

Pakistan (Probable Playing XI):

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris(w), Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha(c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed

United Arab Emirates (Probable Playing XI):

Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem(c), Muhammad Zohaib, Rahul Chopra(w), Asif Khan, Harshit Kaushik, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Muhammad Rohid Khan, Muhammad Jawadullah, Junaid Siddique