DUBAI: The Pakistan cricket team finally departed for Dubai Cricket Stadium after remaining confined to their hotel due to an escalating dispute with match referee Andy Pycroft. The clash with the UAE, originally scheduled for 7:30 pm Pakistan time, was pushed back by an hour following internal consultations at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi held discussions with former board heads Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, while senior officials, including Salman Naseer, also attended high-level meetings. Advisor to the PCB chief, Amir Mir, told reporters that positive news would soon be shared, while confirming the delay.
The controversy stems from the Pakistan-India game on Sunday. At the toss, referee Andy Pycroft reportedly told captain Salman Agha there would be no handshake, instructing that it must not be filmed. Later, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema raised objections with tournament director Andrew Russell, who initially claimed the order came from the BCCI, later attributing it to the Indian government.
The PCB has demanded Pycroft’s replacement, insisting the team will not participate in further Asia Cup fixtures unless the referee is changed. The ICC has yet to respond to the request, keeping the matter unresolved.
