Pakistan Takes Final Call After ICC Backs Andy Pycroft in 'No Handshake' Controversy

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the players were quite offended when the no handshake controversy happened with the Indian team in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. This resulted in the PCB asking ICC to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the match officials list for the further matches of the tournament. "Consultations are ongoing, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan’s interests in view,” said the PCB spokesperson.

However, the ICC took a firm stand for Pycroft and rejected Pakistan's complaint. As a result, the Pakistan national cricket team cancelled the pre-match press conference ahead of their clash against UAE. But the main question still remained: Will Pakistan Boycott Asia Cup 2025 midway? The answer to this question has finally arrived from the Pakistan Cricket Board itself.

Will Pakistan Boycott Asia Cup 2025?

Interestingly, Pakistan are set to play against the UAE as per the schedule. According to Geo News, Pakistan will play the United Arab Emirates but Andy Pycroft won't officiate in this game. The decision on the the rest of Pakistan's matches (if they qualify for Super 4) will be taken later by the PCB. The decision to play the match against the UAE was taken late midnight. This match will decide the fate of the group.

This is an important clash for the Men in Green as they are on two points yet and need to win to qualify for the Super Four. After Pakistan lost to India in the previous match, they now have no other option but to win the game. If they lose, UAE will go through to the next stage.

The reports also suggest that in place of Andy Pycroft, Richie Richardson is likely to officiate in Pakistan's matches for the rest of the tournament. Like Pycroft, Richardson is also an experienced match referee who has been officiating for quite some years.

What Happened in IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025 Match?

In the sixth match of the Asia Cup 2025, India beat Pakistan by seven wickets. It was a good game of cricket for the Indian side but their opponents failed to put out their best performance. Their second highest run scorer was Shaheen Shah Afridi who is a bowler and the best bowler was Saim Ayub who is an opening batter, which tells about the team's problems.

After the match, Indian players didn't shake hands with the Pakistan players which led to a huge controversy. In fact, India's captain Suryakumar Yadav, who is one of the best batsmen in T20 cricket, avoided Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha after the toss as well. However, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav cleared the air on the handshake row at the post-match presentation and mentioned that they stand with the victims and their families of the Pahalgam attack and this was their way of showing it.

There are high chances of India meeting Pakistan in the Super Four as well which will be quite exciting to watch for the fans. The drama, the thrill, and the quality of cricket the greatest rivalry in the world carries is beyond everything. Hence, the fans will have to wait and see the results of Pakistan vs UAE clash on September 17.