The Asia Cup 2025 descended into fresh controversy on Wednesday after Pakistan decided to boycott its final group-stage clash against the United Arab Emirates, escalating the fallout from the recent “handshake controversy” involving match referee Andy Pycroft.
According to reports by Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) instructed the team to stay back at their hotel and not travel to the stadium. Players were reportedly asked to remain in their rooms, while their luggage and kits stayed loaded on the team bus. An urgent press conference is expected soon to outline the PCB’s position.
In a further twist, Samaa Sports reported that the PCB has lodged two formal complaints with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The first calls for Pycroft’s immediate removal from officiating duties, with the PCB alleging bias and irregular decisions during the tournament. The second centres on India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav, who the PCB accuses of making politically charged remarks after India’s victory. The Board has urged the ICC to take disciplinary action, citing violations of the sport’s code of conduct.
#WATCH | Asia Cup 2025 | Ahead of the Pakistan Vs UAE match in Dubai, a Pakistani supporter says, “Pakistan team is still at the hotel. They have not reached here (stadium). PCB has announced that they won’t play today’s match over the issue of the change of umpire. Pakistanis… pic.twitter.com/0A29qpyxoF
— ANI (@ANI) September 17, 2025
For now, the ICC has not issued a response.
Meanwhile, uncertainty gripped the tournament as Pakistan’s players were spotted waiting in their hotel lobby while the UAE squad had already left for the ground. The fixture, scheduled for 8 pm IST (6 pm local time), appeared all but certain to be called off in Pakistan’s absence.
The PCB’s decision followed its failed request to replace Pycroft as referee for the fixture, a demand the ICC firmly rejected. The tension stems from Sunday’s high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan, where Indian players, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused the customary post-match handshake. In retaliation, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation ceremony.
According to the PCB, Pycroft worsened the situation by advising Salman not to approach Yadav and by preventing the traditional exchange of team sheets before the game, actions the Board branded “irregular and biased.”
With Pakistan’s boycott now in play, the Asia Cup has veered into diplomatic territory, raising questions over how cricket’s governing body will navigate the standoff.
