Dubai: The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates was delayed by an hour on Wednesday after a dramatic standoff over the "No Handshake Controversy," with Pakistan threatening to boycott unless match referee Andy Pycroft was replaced.
Match officials confirmed that the toss, originally scheduled for 6 pm local time, was pushed to 7 pm, and the game was rescheduled to begin at 7.30 pm after the Pakistan team finally reached the venue at 6:29 local time (7:59 IST).
Their bus had remained at the hotel for hours as tense discussions unfolded between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The controversy erupted on September 14 when Pakistan captain Salman Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation following India’s reported refusal to engage in the customary handshake.
Head coach Mike Hesson criticised the move, and team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a complaint alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft had sided with India.
On September 15, the PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating in their Asia Cup matches. The ICC rejected this on September 16, after which the PCB escalated the matter, threatening to pull the team out if Pycroft remained in charge for their fixture against the UAE.
Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press briefing on Tuesday but continued with a planned net session at the ICC Academy. Later, the board sent a second letter pressing the ICC to review its decision, while also requesting that Wednesday’s game be postponed by an hour to allow for further talks.
Tournament officials said the encounter was a must-win for both sides and warned that Pakistan risked immediate elimination if they refused to take the field. Even as the team finally departed the hotel, there was lingering uncertainty over whether Pycroft would oversee the match, though indications suggested the contest would go ahead as per the revised schedule.
