The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the UAE in Dubai has been thrown into further uncertainty after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) requested a change of match referee, seeking the removal of Andy Pycroft.
Sources indicate that the PCB has asked for the match to be postponed by an hour pending further talks. In a fresh twist, it is also being reported that the Pakistan team has now left their hotel and is on the way to the stadium, raising hopes that the game may still go ahead.
The row stems from PCB’s allegation that Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands during the toss, a move the board deemed disrespectful and biased.
As of now, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not issued an official confirmation on whether Pycroft will continue officiating the match or if a replacement will be named.
