Pakistan Cricket Team Boycotts Asia Cup Match in Protest Against Match Referee Over Denied Handshake Row
In a dramatic escalation of tensions at the Asia Cup, the Pakistan cricket team has decided to boycott its final group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This bold move comes after the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) formal request to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from officiating duties.
The heart of the issue lies in the aftermath of Pakistan’s highly charged match against India. Later, the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistani players. In response, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.
The PCB swiftly took action, lodging a formal complaint with the ICC. Their primary demand was the immediate removal of referee Andy Pycroft, whom they accused of a “lack of impartiality” in handling the handshake incident. When the ICC stood by its official and refused to make a change, the PCB decided to take a stand.
The fallout has been immediate and visible. According to reports from Pakistani media, the PCB instructed its players to remain at their hotel instead of traveling to the stadium for the scheduled match against the UAE. Players were seen waiting in the hotel lobby with their kits and luggage still packed on the team bus, effectively halting their participation.
#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
This decision to boycott the Asia Cup match plunges the tournament into uncertainty and highlights the deep-seated tensions between the cricketing rivals. The UAE team reportedly proceeded to the stadium, but with their opponents absent, the match’s status remains in limbo.
In a further intensification of the situation, the PCB has also demanded disciplinary action against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for what they call “politically charged remarks.” The ICC has yet to issue a public response to this second demand.
As negotiations reportedly continue behind the scenes, the cricketing world is waiting to see how this significant protest will unfold and what it means for the rest of the Asia Cup tournament. An urgent press conference from the PCB is expected to address this escalating situation.
