Pycroft Presides as UAE vs. PAK Match Faces Delayed Kickoff

*This is a developing story*

Pakistan’s final group match against the UAE in the 2025 Asia Cup will commence an hour later than originally scheduled. Match referee Andy Pycroft will carry out his duties as initially planned.

The ICC has dismissed the PCB’s request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, despite a follow-up letter from the board reiterating their demand. It is believed that the ICC declined the request to avoid setting a precedent of changing a match official under pressure.

At the time of this report, a meeting was taking place in Dubai. Information has come out that the Pakistan team has been instructed to head to the Dubai International Stadium as a final decision on their participation in the match is awaited.

Earlier, it appeared that a compromise was reached, supported by officials from the Emirates board, the effective hosts of the tournament. The arrangement would have allowed Pycroft to continue, but he would have been replaced by Richie Richardson, another ICC referee, for Wednesday’s game between Pakistan and the UAE. It’s unclear if this arrangement has been accepted.

Some face-saving strategies became essential after the PCB adopted a strong stance of threatening to withdraw over the Pycroft issue, accusing him of bias towards India during a clash on September 14, which involved the handshake controversy.

The situation escalated when the ICC rejected the PCB’s request, with Pakistan’s possible withdrawal looming. Top UAE board officials reportedly intervened to mediate between the ICC and the PCB.

These officials reportedly argued that, with tickets sold, and sponsors and broadcasters committed, the issue could result in complications for all parties involved. Cricbuzz has reached out to the ICC, PCB, and the Emirates board for comments.