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The Asia Cup Super 4 match between India and Pakistan faces rising tensions. Pakistan cancelled its pre-match press conference. This followed their loss to India and a handshake controversy. The PCB requested Andy Pycroft's removal, which the ICC rejected. Pakistan's late arrival at a match and a meeting with Pycroft added to the drama.

The Asia Cup 2025 is embroiled in controversy after India's refusal to shake hands with Pakistan sparked a major standoff. The PCB demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, delaying a match against the UAE. The ICC accused PCB of protocol breaches, including unauthorised recording within the PMOA.

It remains to be seen how the PCB responds to the strongly-worded email, as they are yet to furnish details in response to another email sent by the global cricket body to the PCB on September 17 — the day the drama unfolded and the fixture was delayed by an hour.

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 uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's Asia Cup participation, the PCB demanded match referee Andy Pycroft's removal, alleging code of conduct violations during the India-Pakistan match, specifically regarding the captains not shaking hands. Despite PCB's threats and ACC's involvement, the ICC stood firm, asserting Pycroft followed ACC instructions and didn't violate any rules.

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.

Syed Kirmani, the former Indian wicketkeeper, advocates for separating politics from sports, emphasizing cricket's unifying power amidst India-Pakistan tensions. He refrained from commenting on the ongoing debate about playing Pakistan, highlighting that sports promote harmony. Kirmani also expressed empathy for Shreyas Iyer's Asia Cup exclusion, drawing parallels to his own career setback in 1986.

ICC has announced the first ever all-female panel of umpires and match officials for the Women's Cricket World Cup 2025, set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from September 30 to November 2.

Mohammed Siraj, Matt Henry, and Jayden Seales are nominated for the ICC Player of the Month award for August due to their outstanding performances. Siraj led India's bowling attack in the absence of Bumrah, securing nine wickets in the final Test against England.

The ICC has announced a massive 297% increase in prize money for the 2025 Women's Cricket World Cup, totaling $13.88 million. This surpasses the 2023 Men's World Cup payout, signaling a major step towards gender pay parity. Winners will receive $4.48 million, a 239% jump from 2022.

Rohit Sharma reminisces about India's triumphant ICC T20 World Cup 2024 victory, highlighting the thrilling final against South Africa and a tense, low-scoring match against Pakistan. He praises the team's resilience and the crucial performances of Bumrah, Arshdeep, and Pant. The victory ended a 17-year drought, creating unforgettable memories for the nation.