Despite the dismissal of Pakistan, Andy Pycroft is the Referee for the Asia Cup game between Pakistan vs Sae (picture via x/@icc & getty images) Pakistani Asia Cup 2025 clash against the United Arab Emirates on Wednesday was confused after ICC refused to replace the referee of Andy Pycroft, despite the objections of Pakistan. Hours before the planned start in Dubai, the uncertainty pulled over the accessories when Pakistani players stayed in their hotel even after their bags were loaded on a team bus. The confusion deepened when the Asian cricket council (ACC) removed its posts about the game and supported speculation that Pakistan did not have to take the field. Stand-off came from the fall of the controversy “ne-handshake” after the Pakistan defeat in India earlier in the tournament. Pakistani cricket council (PCB) accused Pycrofta of incorrect treatment of the situation, but the ICC investigation decided to “not break any match protocols” and actually “helped prevent potential embarrassment for both captains by informing them that the organizers decided to skip Handshak.
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ICC emphasized its position and stated: “The appointment of officials of the match is a centralized decision of ICC and cannot be influenced by the considerations of any Member Council. This would determine a dangerous priority for the future.” Despite the decision, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi organized consultations with former Ramiz Raja and Zajam Sethi, while Amir Mir’s spokesman announced that the beginning was moved back by an hour. “The consultation process is going on … The match between UAE and Pakistan was immediately delayed by one hour,” Mir confirmed. Speculation about possible forfeiture after Geo News reported that Pycroft had left the international stadium in Dubai for ICC headquarters. At the same time, Raja and Sethi were seen as they came to the PCB office in Lahore, with a press conference room ready for a possible announcement. Finally, Naqvi moved to end the uncertainty and publish: “We asked the Pakistani team to go to the cricket stadium in Dubai. Other details to follow.” Until then, the Sae party was already on Earth and emphasized Pakistani’s unpleasant position when the series over Pycroft left its campaign in controversy and embarrassment.Pakitan is now left in an embarrassing place because they are now playing the game, although they have originally “stopped” players at the team hotel, attract ICC and even IS interviews about boycott. Despite all Pakistan’s efforts, Andy Pycroft is the Reflection for the Clash.
