Tag: Asia Cup 2025

DUBAI: UAE have the won the toss and opted to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial encounter of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 here at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Playing XIs

Pakistan XI: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (capt), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khushdil Shah, Abrar Ahmed

UAE XI: Alishan Sharafu, Muhammad Waseem (capt), Asif Khan,  Muhammad Zohaib, Harshit Kaushik, Rahul Chopra (wk), Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali,  Muhammad Rohid Khan, Simranjeet Singh,  Junaid Siddique

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD:

Pakistan and the UAE have faced each other twice in the T20I format. Pakistan emerged victorious on both occasions.

Matches 2, Pakistan 2, UAE  0

READ: Javelin ace Arshad books spot in World Athletics Championships final

DUBAI: Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha, and team manager over the handshake row during the India-Pakistan ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14.

The uncertainty over the Pakistan-UAE clash surrounded due to the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 1

Shortly before the delayed toss between the teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the board said in a statement.

“A result of miscommunication and apologised”, the statement added.

Despite this, Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash.

Earlier, the Pakistan team arrived at the Dubai Stadium following the PCB chief’s directives.

“We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” he wrote on X.

Meanwhile, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir had announced that the delayed start of the match between Pakistan and UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has been

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“The consultation process is ongoing, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is discussing with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi and on the other hand, online negotiations are also going on with Dubai.

“Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” he said in a short press conference.

The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan remained full of drama off the field. 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.

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.

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India captain Suryakumar Yadav has reportedly requested that if his side wins the Asia Cup 2025, he does not want the trophy to be presented to him by Mohsin Naqvi.

Naqvi, in his role as the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), will present the winners’ trophy to the victorious team.

According to a report by NDTV, Yadav has formally requested not to receive the trophy from Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

“India captain Suryakumar Yadav has also made it clear that he doesn’t want the Asia Cup trophy to be handed to India by Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council, if the team emerges triumphant in the final. This message has also been delivered to the ACC,” the report stated.

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Notably, Yadav was criticised by many Indian fans back home after he was seen shaking hands with Naqvi in the Asia Cup 2025 trophy unveiling ceremony.

However, in the high-octane clash against Pakistan, Yadav did not engage in a customary handshake with his counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, after the toss.

The incident did not end there. After hitting the winning runs, the Indian skipper exchanged fist bumps with fellow batter Shivam Dube and walked straight to the dressing room.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan players lined up and waited for the customary handshake, only to see the Indian team retreat to their dressing room and close the doors.

READ: Struggling Saim Ayub continues to rise in ICC T20I Rankings

DUBAI: The team management of India has instructed its players to maintain distance from Pakistani net bowlers during practice sessions at the ICC Academy, sources confirmed on Tuesday.

The directive follows the fallout from the handshake controversy during the Pakistan-India clash at the Asia Cup 2025.

The fixture, played under a tense backdrop, witnessed unusual scenes from the start, with both captains skipping the customary handshake at the toss.

Later, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who struck the winning runs, celebrated with teammate Shivam Dube before both walked straight to the dressing room.

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While Indian players congratulated each other at the dugout, they refrained from acknowledging or shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

Pakistan’s players, meanwhile, lined up and waited for the customary handshake, only to see the Indian team retreat to their dressing room and close the doors.

However, earlier, during the trophy unveiling ceremony, Yadav was seen shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

Following these controversies, the Indian camp has banned its players from interacting with net bowlers from Pakistan.

Notably, at the ICC Academy, net bowlers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India are routinely brought in to support teams during training.

This time, however, the Indian camp has barred such interactions. Sources revealed that players have been explicitly told to avoid casual conversations or photographs with Pakistani net bowlers.

To enforce the rule, the net bowlers are also required to surrender their mobile phones before practice, with devices returned only after sessions conclude.

READ: PCB rejects ICC inquiry, insists on Andy Pycroft’s removal: sources

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has doubled down on its demand for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, warning that the team will not play under his supervision.

According to board insiders, the PCB has written a second letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), adopting a hardline stance after its initial request was not entertained.

In the strongly worded response, the PCB rejected the ICC’s decision not to take action against Pycroft and labelled the inquiry into his conduct as nothing more than a formality.

Sources revealed that the board categorically stated it would boycott matches officiated by the controversial referee and maintained its stance that Pakistan’s participation hinges on Pycroft’s removal.

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The letter further argued that the ICC inquiry neither examined all aspects of the controversy nor engaged with the relevant stakeholders.

“Pakistan has urged that all concerns be fully addressed. Only after the official acceptance of our demand will Pakistan agree to play,” a PCB insider confirmed.

This development comes as Pakistan prepares to face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in their final group match on Wednesday in Dubai.

However, PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir clarified on Tuesday that consultations are still ongoing, and a final decision on Pakistan’s participation will be announced before the match.

Catch Asia Cup 2025 news updates here!

“The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan’s interests in mind,” Mir said.

The saga stems from the no-handshake controversy in the India clash, where both captains skipped the customary gesture at the toss, and Indian players walked off without acknowledging their rivals after the match.

The PCB has held Andy Pycroft responsible for the incident, calling his directives a breach of cricket’s spirit and traditions.

READ: Sidra Amin achieves major milestone with century against South Africa

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.

READ: Ton-up Sidra Amin takes Pakistan to 255

ABU DHABI: Mustafizur Rahman starred with a three-wicket haul as Bangladesh secured a narrow eight-run victory over Afghanistan to stay alive in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Set a 155-run target, Afghanistan faltered in the chase and were bowled out for 146  on the last ball of the match.

Afghanistan had a contrasting start as they lost their opening two wickets in 4.1 overs. As a result, they were reduced to 18-2.

After the early hiccup, Gulbadin Naib and Rahmanullah Gurbaz paired up for a brief stand of 33 runs. However, with the required run-rate mounting, Naib and Gurbaz fell in quick time.

Bangladesh kept chipping away with regular wickets, and despite Azmatullah Omarzai’s 30 off 16 and Rashid Khan’s 20 off 11, Afghanistan fell short of the target.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman remained the standout bowler, taking three wickets in his four overs. Rishad Hossain, Taskin Ahmed, and Nasum Ahmed chipped in with two wickets each.

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Earlier, after opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted 154-5 in their allocated 20 overs despite having a strong start.

The Tigers’ openers provided them a strong foundation, scoring 63 in 6.4 overs. Saif Hassan, who made 30 from 28 balls, played the second fiddle, whereas Tanzid Hasan remained the core aggressor.

Despite the wicket, Bangladesh continued to pile runs, particularly Taniz charging the bowlers. Noor Ahmad removed skipper Litton Das for nine to lift Afghanistan at the halfway stage of the innings.

However, it was Tanzid’s wicket that put the brakes on Bangladesh’s progress. He departed after a brisk knock. He smashed three sixes and four boundaries on his way to 52 off 31 balls.

The second half of the innings belonged to Afghanistan as they restricted Bangladesh batters from going big with a clinical bowling display. This was primarily due to Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed, who gave 26 and 23 runs respectively in their four overs.

Playing XIs

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

READ: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cancel press-conference ahead of UAE clash

DUBAI: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cancelled the pre-match press conference ahead of the UAE clash in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.

This comes in the light of the handshake row after the India clash. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s training session is proceeding as scheduled.

“Pakistan will not be holding their pre-match press conference today,” the tournament organisers confirmed in a statement ahead of Pakistan’s match against the UAE on Wednesday.

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.

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“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.

While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

READ: Sidra Amin achieves major milestone with century against South Africa

ABU DHABI: Bangladesh have won the toss and decided to bat first against Afghanistan in the ninth fixture of the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash here at the Zayed Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Squads

Bangladesh XI: Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Saif Hassan, Litton Das (capt & wk), Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed

Afghanistan XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sediqullah Atal, Ibrahim Zadran, Gulbadin Naib, Karim Janat, Azmatullah Omarzai, Mohammad Nabi, Rashid Khan (capt), Noor Ahmad, AM Ghazanfar, Fazalhaq Farooqi

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD: 

Afghanistan and Bangladesh have faced each other 12 times in the T20I format. Afghanistan has a slight edge with seven victories, whereas Bangladesh has emerged victorious on five occasions.

READ: Pakistan-India showdown looms as javelin aces Nadeem, Chopra chase world gold

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has rejected Indian media reports claiming that the International Cricket Council (ICC) has turned down its demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.

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.

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While Cricbuzz reported that the ICC had rejected the request and defended Pycroft, PCB sources clarified on Tuesday that they are still awaiting an official response from the governing body.

“We have not yet received any formal reply from the ICC. We stand firm on our demand,” a PCB source said, adding that the board is considering various options if the matter remains unresolved.

The sources further stressed that Pakistan is committed to playing the game in the true spirit of sportsmanship, while reiterating Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s earlier stance that “nothing is above the country’s dignity and honour.”

READ: Ricky Ponting clears the air on viral India-Pakistan no-handshake comment