Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 saga reached a resolution on Wednesday as the national team departed their hotel for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ahead of their must-win group-stage clash against the UAE. The move comes after hours of uncertainty regarding Pakistan’s participation, linked to the ongoing standoff with match referee Andy Pycroft.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, flanked by former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, addressed the media at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore earlier today. Naqvi confirmed that Pycroft had formally apologised to Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and team manager, acknowledging the concerns raised over the handshake controversy during the high-profile India clash.
“A short while ago, the match referee apologised to the captain and team manager. We have also formally requested the ICC to investigate the violations that occurred in the September 14 match,” Naqvi said.
Ramiz Raja welcomed the apology, calling it a “victory for Pakistan” and urged all stakeholders to focus on cricket rather than external distractions. “Now everyone’s attention should be on cricket; the team must deliver on the field,” he added.
Najam Sethi reaffirmed the PCB’s position against politics in sports, while Naqvi stressed that Pakistan’s honour had been preserved and the team is expected to perform at their best.
Following the press conference, the team, accompanied by support staff, headed to the stadium. The Pakistan-UAE fixture, originally scheduled for 7:30 PM local time, will now commence after a one-hour delay, with the toss at 7 PM. Pycroft, who had been at the center of the controversy, will officiate the match as planned, with the ICC conducting a formal inquiry into the incident.
