By Vibhakar
Copyright sports
“Overview Pakistan was unhappy with Andy Pycroft’s non-intervention, as the Indian players did not shake hands with their players Pakistan demanded ICC to replace Pycroft from his role in the tournament, which was rejected Pakistan has threatened to boycott the match against UAE, if Pycroft remains the match referee Advertisment Pakistan was unhappy with Andy Pycroft’s non-intervention, as the Indian players did not shake hands with their players in the Asia Cup 2025. The 2-time Asia Cup Champions demanded ICC to replace Pycroft from his role in the tournament, which was rejected. Pakistan has threatened to boycott the match against UAE, if Pycroft remains the match referee. It all started when the Indian players did not shake their hands with the Pakistani players after their Asia Cup match. Pakistan lodged a complaint against the Indian team for their act and later asked ICC to remove the match referee, Pycroft, from his role, believing he could not prevent Indian team’s act. Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Sourav Ganguly supports Suryakumar”s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players However, ICC did not find Pycroft responsible for the incident and denied PCB’s request. ICC confirmed that Pycroft will continue to be the match referee for the rest of the tournament, a decision which did not go well with Pakistan. Their upcoming match is against the hosts, UAE, which will act as a must-win match for both teams to qualify further. What could happen if Pakistan boycotts Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE? Both Pakistan and UAE have a win and a loss each from their two matches in the Asia Cup 2025, with both of their wins and losses coming against Oman and India, respectively. Pakistan has threatened to not play the match against UAE if Pycroft continues to be the match referees, which could hamper their chances of qualification. Also Check: Asia Cup 2025: Wasim Akram blasts Pakistan batters after humiliating loss to India Pakistan currently has a better net run rate than UAE with the same number of points. If they indeed boycott the match, UAE will get two points, which would help them progress to the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. On the other hand, it would mean the end of Pakistan’s campaign in the ongoing tournament.”
