PAK vs UAE LIVE: Pakistan’s Late Departure Amid Asia Cup 2025 Boycott Talks Delays Match to 9pm IST

The 2025 Asia Cup match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been postponed by an hour, as confirmed by the official broadcaster. Reports indicate that Salman Ali Agha and his team left their hotel with only 30 minutes remaining before the scheduled toss.

The updated start time for the game at the Dubai International Stadium against the UAE is now set for 9 PM IST.

Mohsin Naqvi, chairperson of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), reportedly consulted with former chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi before deciding to send the team to the venue.

“There’s an ongoing online meeting. For now, the match is delayed by an hour. Discussions are in progress, and the chairman will address the media when there are updates,” stated Amir Mir, a PCB spokesperson. Additionally, sources suggest the PCB has called for action against Suryakumar Yadav for a ‘politically motivated’ statement.

This development follows a controversy involving match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB had requested his removal for the UAE game, a request that was denied by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Pycroft was also the referee during the match between India and Pakistan, where the teams notably did not shake hands.

The PCB criticized Pycroft, claiming he instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav and prevented the exchange of team sheets, which is customary.

“This behavior breaches Article 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Match Officials, which prohibits actions contrary to the spirit of the game and the MCC Laws,” the PCB stated in its initial complaint to the ICC.

“Given the seriousness, political context, and potential consequences, the misconduct has brought disrepute to the game,” the complaint continued.

Published on September 17, 2025.