Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday was overshadowed by doubt following the ICC's denial of Pakistan's application to substitute match referee Andy Pycroft.
There was confusion over the fixture in Dubai mere hours before the game was due to begin as Pakistan's players remained in their hotel, despite their bags having already been put on the team bus. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) also added to speculation when it removed the match posts, leaving one questioning if Pakistan would field at all.
The stand-off was traced back to the aftermath of the "no-handshake" debacle in Pakistan's previous loss to India. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) charged Pycroft with mismanaging the incident, but an ICC inquiry exonerated him of any blame. The investigation found that Pycroft "did not violate any match protocols" and, in fact, had "prevented possible embarrassment to both captains by telling them that the organisers had decided not to have a handshake during the toss."
Stressing its position, the ICC stated, “Appointment of match officials is a centralised ICC decision and it can’t be influenced by considerations of any member board. This would set a dangerous precedence for the future.”
This notwithstanding, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted with former board bosses Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, while PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed there was a postponement in the match start.
"The consultation process is ongoing… Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour," Mir added.
Talk of a boycott grew when Geo News announced that Pycroft had departed Dubai International Stadium for ICC headquarters. In Lahore, meanwhile, Raja and Sethi reached the PCB office, and a press conference room was prepared for a potential announcement.
Eventually, Naqvi moved to end the uncertainty, posting, “We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”
The UAE team had already arrived at the venue by then, highlighting Pakistan's awkward situation. The controversy surrounding Pycroft overshadowed their campaign with controversy and embarrassment.
Pakistan eventually decided to play the match, even though at one point they had kept players at the hotel, appealed to the ICC, and had even considered boycotting. Andy Pycroft, however, continued to be in control as match referee for the game.
