Asia Cup 2025 / Pakistan team's boycott plan fails, will play a do-or-die match against UAE

Asia Cup 2025: In the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the Indian team performed brilliantly and won by 7 wickets. However, the aftermath of this victory made headlines when the Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players. This incident deeply hurt the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its players, following which the PCB took several steps to express its displeasure.

First, the PCB wrote a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC) demanding the removal of the tournament's match referee, Andy Pycroft. They also threatened to boycott their next match against the UAE. However, the PCB's boycott plan failed completely, and now it is reported that the Pakistan team has agreed to play this crucial match against the UAE.

Referee Dispute Resolved: Richie Richardson to Replace Andy Pycroft

According to news agency PTI, a middle ground has been found to resolve the dispute. Richie Richardson will replace Andy Pycroft as match referee in the match against the UAE. The PCB had demanded Pycroft's removal from the tournament, citing violations of ICC rules and regulations regarding the chaos that followed the India-Pakistan match. However, the ICC completely rejected this demand. Despite this, an attempt has been made to defuse the situation by appointing Richie Richardson as referee for this match.

The match against the UAE is crucial for the Super Four.

This match against the UAE is crucial for Pakistan, as they must win this match to secure a place in the Super Four. After the crushing 7-wicket defeat against India, Pakistan now sits second in the Group A points table, with 2 points. The UAE are also in third place with two points. India, on the other hand, have already secured their place in the Super Four by winning both of their opening matches. Oman, having lost both of their matches, have already been eliminated from the Super Four race.