Asia Cup 2025 On Wednesday, an unexpected controversy faced when Pakistan’s struggle with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai delayed an hour.
PCB opposition to Andy Pycroft causes a delay in the match against UAE
Delay delay in protest against the appointment of Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) match referee Andy pikeroftWhich were at the center of the recent India-Pakistan handshek Ro.
Reports show that the Pakistan team also threatened to withdraw and initially refused to leave their hotels for the stadium, causing chaos and forced the organizers in the last minute conversation.
Murali Karthik labels PCB’s behavior as “exactly childish”
Former India spinner Murali Karthik did not withdraw Pakistan’s criticism
Speaking on Cricbuzz, Karthik described the incident as “exactly childish” and “churlish”.
“If you want to take a stand, please go ahead. But stick for it and have a strong confidence. Just because you see that there can be a financial implication – 16 million US dollars on a handshake saga – I can’t think of anything. Even nowadays children do not behave like this,” Karthik commented.
The former cricketer further stated how unnecessary drama disrupted the experience of fans, especially impressed the preparation of children who participated in the match on a school night, and the preparation of the UAE players.
ICC denies the demand for PCB, Andy Pycroft
Despite the opposition of the PCB, the International Cricket Council (ICC) firm stood up and did not replace Picroft as a match referee. According to reports, the ICC insisted that Pycroft was approved in its internal review, concluding that he had not done any wrongdoing during the stability of India-Pakistan.
The ICC, headed by J Shah, acknowledged the PCB’s right to file a complaint, but rejected his demand, warning that a decision in his favor could lead to a dangerous example in global cricket regime.
Also read: Pakistan players with the most frequent duck in T20 IT.
Between the backlash, the PCB issued an official statement claiming that Pycroft apologized for joining hands with Pakistan’s team manager and captain.
“Controversial ICC match referee Andy Pycroft has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Andy Pycroft refused to join hands with the captains of both teams during the India-Pakistan match. The Pakistan Cricket Board reacted firmly for September 14. Read PCB statement.
Finally, the match proceeded after an hour’s delay, but the controversy took care of cricket, once again put a spotlight on Pakistan’s off-field theater instead of on-field performance.
Also read: Shaheen Afridi’s all-round show against UAE takes Pakistan to the Super Four Stage of Asia Cup 2025
