DUBAI – The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) removed a social media post regarding today’s Asia Cup 2025 match between Pakistan and the UAE amid rising tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Earlier, the ACC had posted that Pakistan and UAE would face off tonight. However, the post was quickly deleted, creating uncertainty over whether the match will go ahead as scheduled.
The controversy centers around PCB’s strong objection to the appointment of match referee Andy Pycroft. The board claims his officiating is questionable and has formally demanded the ICC remove him from all Pakistan matches in the tournament.
The PCB sent a second official letter to the ICC, reiterating its rejection of Pycroft’s appointment. The board described the ICC inquiry as a “formal exercise” lacking proper investigation and engagement with those involved.
Reports indicate Pakistan may refuse to play any match overseen by Pycroft. Officials warned that a boycott could occur unless the ICC addresses their concerns. The ACC, responsible for managing the Asia Cup fixtures, is monitoring the situation closely while awaiting the ICC’s decision.
The dispute escalated after the controversial handshake incident during the Pakistan vs India match in Dubai. Referee Andy Pycroft had instructed team captains, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands due to the political context, angering the PCB.
The ACC now faces pressure to maintain the tournament schedule while balancing the tensions between the ICC and PCB. Officials emphasized that the Asia Cup matches will proceed only once the matter is officially resolved.
This incident highlights the growing influence of cricket politics in the region and underscores the challenges faced by the ACC in organizing international events amid disputes over officiating and governance.
In other news read more about Pakistan Ends Asia Cup Boycott Threat After ICC Replaces Referee Pycroft
