The spotlight will once again fall on match referee Andy Pycroft as he takes charge of the highly anticipated India vs Pakistan Super Four clash of the ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday in Dubai — despite the lingering cloud of the infamous handshake row.
The controversy sparked during the group-stage encounter on September 14, when Pycroft instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands at the toss. What followed was a tense atmosphere: both skippers avoided the customary pre- and post-match gestures, and after India’s victory, their players walked straight back to the dressing room, leaving Pakistan’s side waiting on the field.
The episode escalated when Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged an official protest, accusing Pycroft of mishandling the situation. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi even approached the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from officiating Pakistan’s fixtures. While the request was denied, Pycroft later issued an apology to Pakistan’s captain and management ahead of their clash with the UAE.
Despite the off-field drama, Pakistan regrouped to beat UAE and secure their spot in the Super Four, joining India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh in the next stage.
With Pycroft now set to oversee another India-Pakistan showdown, all eyes will be on Dubai not only for the cricketing rivalry but also for how the match referee handles proceedings in the wake of recent tensions.
The Super Four stage begins with Sri Lanka facing Bangladesh on Saturday, before the fiercest rivalry in cricket takes center stage in Dubai on Sunday.
