PAK vs UAE / UAE won the toss and elected to bowl against Pakistan, with Andy Pycroft as the match referee.

PAK vs UAE: The 10th match of the Asia Cup 2025 is being played between Pakistan and the UAE at the Dubai International Stadium. UAE captain Mohammad Wasim won the toss and elected to bowl first. However, the match began with controversy. The Pakistani team did not arrive at the stadium on time, delaying the toss. According to the scheduled time, the toss was scheduled for 7:30 pm and the match was to start at 8 pm. However, the toss took place at 8:30 pm, and the match will now begin at 9 pm.

Controversy surrounding referee Andy Pycroft

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from all Pakistan matches, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected this demand. Pycroft will continue to officiate today's match. The controversy stems from the match against India on September 14, when the Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players during the toss and after the match.

Reason for the Controversy

After the India-Pakistan match on September 14, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss. Following this, Pakistan filed a complaint against referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB claimed that the referee advised the two captains not to shake hands after the toss, which was done under pressure from the Indian team. When Pycroft did not take any action, the PCB demanded his removal from the ICC, which the ICC rejected. Some media reports also claimed that if Pycroft was not removed, Pakistan could withdraw from the Asia Cup.

PCB's Stance

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, "We have demanded the immediate removal of Pycroft from the ICC. He did not adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket." The PCB believes that the referee did not show impartiality and acted under pressure from the Indian team.

Suryakumar Yadav's statement

On the handshake controversy, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "Some things are above sportsmanship. This decision was taken with the consent of the BCCI and the Indian government. Our team stands with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and this victory is dedicated to the Indian Armed Forces."

On April 22, pro-Pakistan terrorists killed 26 Indians in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In response, India launched 'Operation Sindoor', destroying terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and also destroying nine Pakistani airbases.

What do the rules say?

No cricket rulebook mandates that players shake hands after a match. It is a tradition considered part of the spirit of the game. A BCCI official said, "There is no provision in the rules that requires you to shake hands with the opposing team. India is not obligated to shake hands with a country with which relations are strained."

Pakistan vs. UAE: Head-to-Head

Pakistan and the UAE have played three T20 Internationals so far, with Pakistan winning all three. During the recent T20 tri-series, Pakistan defeated the UAE by 31 runs while defending a total of 171. This time, the UAE has a chance to defeat Pakistan at home, but history is not on their side.