Big news: Andy Pycroft set to officiate in Pakistan's Asia Cup clash against UAE as ICC rejects PCB's demands

Andy Pycroft has been in the headlines ever since the Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan was conducted. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint against Pycroft to the ICC, alleging that he was the one who had told Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha to not shake hands with India captain Suryakumar Yadav after the match. They wanted Pycroft to be dismissed from the Asia Cup, however the ICC denied their demands.

But PCB didn't back down and this time they demanded Pycroft to not be the match referee in the clash between Pakistan and UAE. However, Sports Tak has learned that ICC has denied this demand as well and Pycroft will be the referee for the match. Despite PCB's best efforts to remove him, the global body has refused to listen to any of their demands and have decided that the former Zimbabwe cricketer will be the one to officiate the Pakistan-UAE clash.

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However, there is another twist in the tale as according to sources, the Pakistan team hasn't left their hotel for the match against UAE which is set to begin soon. On the other hand, the latter have already left for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and are set to arrive soon. Meanwhile, as per a Geo News report, the Pakistan team has been stopped from travelling to the stadium. However, their kit bags have already been placed on the bus. It remains to be seen if Pakistan decide to withdraw from the match or not.

Must-win match for Pakistan

The match against UAE is a must-win game for the Men in Green as if they end up being defeated then they will be knocked out from the tournament. The Salman Ali Agha-led side had defeated Oman in their opening clash of the continental tournament but had suffered a comprehensive 7-wicket defeat to arch-rivals India in their previous match. On the other hand, UAE had began their tournament with a 9-wicket defeat to India, but had kept their Super 4 hopes alive by defeating Oman in their second game.

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Pakistan have faced UAE a total of three times in the shortest format and have defeated them on every occasion. So they will definitely be the favourites to win if the match goes ahead.