In a fresh twist to the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 controversy, ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has officially apologised to Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha and the team manager over the controversial handshake incident following the India clash.
In a statement, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed that Pycroft admitted the September 14 incident was a “result of miscommunication” and extended his apology. The ICC, the statement added, has also expressed willingness to conduct a formal inquiry into the code of conduct violation.
The Pakistan cricket team has arrived at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on the instructions of PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, even though there is still no official confirmation on whether their Asia Cup 2025 fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will go ahead.
Earlier, the PCB chief directed the players to leave for the venue. “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” Naqvi posted on X. Soon after, the national cricketers were spotted boarding the team bus in high spirits and are expected to reach the ground within 40 minutes.
PCB advisor Amir Mir confirmed that the game has been delayed by an hour due to the ongoing row with match referee Andy Pycroft. “The consultation process is underway. PCB chairman is holding deliberations with former PCB chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi,” he told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The match will now begin at 8:30 pm Pakistan Standard Time (PST), with the toss scheduled for 8:00 pm. Earlier in the evening, the team was instructed to stay in the hotel, and the bus remained parked outside for over half an hour as players awaited clearance from the board.
The standoff began after the much-anticipated Pakistan-India clash on September 14, where both captains skipped the customary handshake at the toss — reportedly on Pycroft’s direction. Matters escalated when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav doubled down by avoiding post-match handshakes as well, later justifying the move as a directive from his board and government.
Unhappy with what it terms unfair treatment, the PCB has written a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding Pycroft’s removal from Asia Cup matches involving Pakistan. Sources confirm the board has also urged disciplinary action against India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav for his politically charged remarks.
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Rejecting the ICC’s initial refusal to act, the PCB declared it will not allow the team to play under Pycroft’s supervision. Officials stressed that Pakistan will only take the field once its reservations are formally addressed.
Pakistan Team on Standby
At present, the Pakistan squad remains at their hotel in Dubai, bags packed and awaiting a green light from the board. “If the referee change is not confirmed, the Pakistan team will not leave for the stadium,” sources revealed. The Men in Green are scheduled to face the UAE in their final group-stage clash, though the game has already been delayed by an hour.
Adding fuel to the Asia Cup 2025 controversy, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), has been consulting with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi over the crisis. Naqvi confirmed via social media that the Pakistan team has now been asked to depart for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium while discussions continue.
Also More: Uncertainty deepens over Pakistan’s next Asia Cup game against UAE
Reports suggest that former West Indies captain Richie Richardson may step in as referee for Pakistan’s matches, potentially paving the way for the game against UAE to proceed. Should Pakistan refuse to play, UAE will be awarded two points and secure a spot in the Super Four stage.
The tension has drawn comparisons with 2008, when India refused to play under umpire Steve Bucknor during their tour of Australia. The ICC eventually replaced him to resolve the standoff — a move that cricket watchers believe may repeat itself here.
