Pakistan versus United Arab Emirates (UAE) Asia Cup 2025 is still on amidst all the hullabaloo. However, the match has been delayed by an hour. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson Amir Mir, in a press conference right ahead of the match, made it clear that the Asia Cup match between Pakistan and UAE has been delayed by one hour. The decision was made as the PCB is currently in consultations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) regarding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft and also threatened them to pull out of the tournament if their demands are not met. However, ICC didn't entertain PCB's demand and made it crystal clear that Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee.
The match is scheduled to get underway at 9:00 PM IST, as per the revised timing.
Earlier, ESPNCricinfo reported that the PCB told the Pakistan team to not leave the hotel for the match. But following the new development, the team have already left for the Dubai International stadium.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi had earlier posted on X that the board had filed a formal complaint with the ICC. Naqvi stated,
"The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup."
This request from the PCB came after the Pakistan team alleged that Andy Pycroft, the match referee, had instructed their captain, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss for their Group A match. The Indian team not only avoided shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts at the toss but also after the match. Suryakumar later clarified that their actions were made in alignment with the BCCI and the Indian government.