Pakistan’s must-win Asia Cup clash against the UAE was delayed after several reports revealed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) instructed its players to remain at the team hotel instead of heading to the stadium. The players were told to wait for further instructions.
Later, PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi announced on X that the team had now been cleared to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium, adding that more details would follow. The uncertainty created by the delay sparked speculation over Pakistan’s continued participation in the tournament being held in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Reports also stated that the PCB has scheduled an urgent press conference at its headquarters to address the situation and provide clarity. Tensions escalated after Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following their group-stage match on Sunday.
In response, the PCB demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he had told captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands during the toss. The board requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to replace Pycroft with Richie Richardson for the UAE match.
However, the ICC rejected this demand, and Pycroft reported for duty at the Dubai International Stadium as scheduled. The disagreement between the PCB and ICC led to continued negotiations, ultimately causing the delay in Wednesday’s fixture.
Pakistan Cricket Update 🚨
The PCB has requested the Asia Cup organisers to postpone the UAE-Pakistan match by an hour – hoping to get a positive outcome in the talks.
The team has now left the hotel and is on the way to the ground.
Further developments awaited…… pic.twitter.com/6gMuFkLSkT
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) September 17, 2025
“Pakistan were told in advance about no handshakes after India win”- PCB
The PCB has argued that Andy Pycroft informed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha before the toss that there would be no handshakes, after India’s Suryakumar Yadav had decided against it in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor. Despite the match going ahead, no post-match handshakes followed India’s win.
After the game, the Indian players walked straight into their dressing room while the Pakistani players and support staff waited on the field. Pakistan’s team then skipped the post-match award ceremony, with head coach Mike Hesson later voicing his disappointment at the perceived snub during the press conference.
In the aftermath, the PCB has consistently pushed for Pycroft’s removal from officiating their next match, a demand the ICC has so far refused to accept. Notably, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is also the president of the Asian Cricket Council, which is organising the ongoing tournament.
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