Pakistan brushed aside the UAE by 41 runs to storm into the Super Four, setting up a blockbuster rematch against arch-rivals India on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium.
Amidst controversy and tension, Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, asserts his team's readiness for the Super Four clash against India. Despite past incidents, including handshake disputes and standoffs, Salman emphasises the need for batting improvement, particularly in the middle order. He expresses confidence in the team's ability to overcome any challenge if they maintain their recent performance level.
A major standoff threatened Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE after the ICC refused to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, despite PCB objections over his handling of the 'no-handshake' controversy with India. Initial uncertainty saw Pakistan delaying their departure for the game, and the ACC even deleted posts about the match.
Indian and Pakistani teams practiced in Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, obliged a selfie request from a Pakistani hotel staff member. India defeated Pakistan in the Asia Cup. Suryakumar played a captain's knock. India will face Oman next. Pakistan will play against UAE. PCB wants ICC match referee Andy Pycroft removed after the handshake controversy.
Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match on September 17 will proceed as planned in Dubai. However, the identity of the official match referee remains uncertain, raising questions ahead of the Group A clash.
A controversy erupted at the Asia Cup after Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging code of conduct violations following India's win. The PCB chairman criticized India's team for skipping handshakes and shutting their dressing room.
Mohammad Yousuf, the former Pakistani batter, sparked controversy by using disrespectful language towards India's Suryakumar Yadav during a panel discussion. He also accused the Indian cricket board of exerting undue influence, citing the Asia Cup handshake incident. The ICC rejected PCB's demand to remove the match referee, further fuelling the tensions after India's victory.
The ICC rejected PCB's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup after Pakistan alleged he instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India's captain. The ICC clarified that ACC officials informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.
Following India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, a controversy arose when the Indian team refused to shake hands, dedicating their win to armed forces after a terror attack. The PCB filed a complaint with the ICC, alleging the match referee Andy Pycroft instructed captains against shaking hands.
Pakistan Cricket Board is in a standoff with the International Cricket Council. This follows a handshake controversy with the Indian team. PCB threatens to boycott their Asia Cup match against UAE. They demand the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. If Pakistan withdraws, they will be eliminated. India has already qualified for the Super 4s.
Tensions escalate as Pakistan threatens to boycott remaining Asia Cup 2025 matches if match referee Andy Pycroft isn't removed. PCB alleges Pycroft instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India, further accusing Suryakumar Yadav of unsportsmanlike conduct post-match. India's captain dedicated the win to terror attack victims and armed forces, adding fuel to the fire.