Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) spokesperson Amir Mir said on Wednesday that the Asia Cup clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been delayed by an hour amid on-going consultations with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
Pakistan’s movement in the multi-nation tournament was put in doubt after the team refused to leave its hotel in Dubai.
According to ESPNcricinfo, the PCB directed the players to remain at their hotel while it agrees on its next steps.
The team was planned to depart for the ground at 4.30 p.m. local time for their must-win group game against the United Arab Emirates, with the toss due at 6 p.m.
A declaration from the board, issued at midnight, stated that “consultations were underway” concerning Pakistan’s continued participation in the tournament, where they are scheduled to play a must-win game against the UAE on Wednesday evening.
“The decision will be taken keeping in mind the interest of Pakistan,” the statement concluded.
The PCB had earlier lodged a formal complaint, alleging that Pycroft deliberately prevented all-rounder Agha Salman from a customary handshake during Sunday’s high-profile clash against India.
Officials stated the act reflected bias and demanded Pycroft be replaced for the remainder of the tournament. The ICC rejected the request, though Indian media suggested Pycroft might not oversee Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures.
The incident has heightened tensions between the two cricketing rivals. Pakistan players boycotted the post-match ceremony in protest, while India captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s victory to Indian soldiers, a gesture the PCB condemned as politicising sport.
Calls to boycott the Asia Cup have gained traction on social media, with fans urging the PCB to withdraw in protest. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has been consulting the government over whether to proceed, local media reported.
Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan trained in Dubai on Tuesday, signalling the team may still take the field.
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