After a delayed start to the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, owing to the former’s threat of forfeiting the contest, International Cricket Council (ICC) match referee Andy Pycroft remained on the roster for the contest.
The PCB had lodged a formal complaint to the ICC on Monday against Pycroft, who officiated the match against India and Pakistan on Sunday. The contest culminated in the Indian players refusing to shake hands with their counterparts amidst the hostilities between the neighbours.
The ICC had rejected the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal, following which Pakistan threatened to forfeit its must-win match against the UAE. While the UAE team bus arrived at 5 p.m. local time, the Pakistan team bus was nowhere to be seen.
However, the team eventually left the hotel, arriving at the stadium premises at 6.26 p.m. before getting onto the field at 6.30 p.m., when the match was officially scheduled to start.
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The match was pushed back by an hour, from 6:30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., while the toss was held at 7 p.m., under Pycroft’s supervision.
Ahead of the toss, the PCB put out a statement that Pycroft had apologised to the Pakistani captain and team manager for his conduct.
“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match. The Pakistan Cricket Board had strongly reacted to Andy Pycroft’s actions. Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident “a result of miscommunication and apologised,” the statement read.
Uncertainty over Pakistan’s match against the UAE loomed on Tuesday evening after Pakistan cancelled its customary pre-match press conference before heading to the ICC Academy for its practice session, where the Indian team was also training.
If Pakistan beats the UAE and advances to the Super Fours, it is scheduled to take on India again on September 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Published on Sep 17, 2025
