Pakistan is set to play UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 following the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft over handshake controversy, ARY News reported on Tuesday.
According to the sources, Richie Richardson will officiate tomorrow’s fixture between Pakistan and UAE. This match is crucial for both teams to advance to the Super Fours of the continental tournament.
This comes after the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14.
India chased down Pakistan’s 128-run target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win in the 16th over.
The post-match proceedings, however, took a controversial turn as unbeaten batters Yadav and Shivam Dube bypassed the customary handshake, opting for fist bumps before walking off, leaving Pakistan players waiting.
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The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.
The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.
Earlier in the day, the Indian media reported that the International Cricket Council (ICC) had turned down the PCB’s demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.