DUBAI: The cloud of uncertainty hanging over Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup 2025 finally looks to be lifting, with a compromise reportedly reached on the Andy Pycroft standoff.
Sources suggest that while the International Cricket Council (ICC) has refused to recall Pycroft from the tournament altogether, the Zimbabwean official will not oversee Pakistan’s crunch group-stage clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday. Instead, fellow match referee Richie Richardson is expected to step in for the fixture.
The development comes after two days of intense drama, during which the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to pull out of the competition if Pycroft remained in charge of their matches. PCB accused the veteran referee of mishandling the controversial “no-handshake” episode during the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash earlier this week.
Matters escalated when the ICC formally rejected Pakistan’s demand for Pycroft’s removal. With the PCB sticking to its hardline position, insiders reveal that the Emirates Cricket Board stepped in overnight to mediate and prevent a potential tournament-shaking pullout.
Though no official statement has been released yet, PCB spokesperson Aamir Mir hinted late Tuesday that “consultations are ongoing, and a final decision will be announced tomorrow.”
Behind the scenes, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi also held discussions with government officials in Islamabad before returning to Lahore, underlining the seriousness of the board’s stance.
For now, the face-saving arrangement appears to have bought breathing space for all parties. Pakistan are expected to take the field against UAE, in what is effectively a must-win clash to secure Super Four qualification.
The episode may have dented relations between the PCB and ICC, but for fans, the immediate relief is clear — Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign remains alive.
