Pakistan board explain why UAE clash at 2025 Asia Cup was delayed by hour and what changed for them to play
Updated 17/09/2025 at 20:10 GMT+1
Pakistan's match against the United Arab Emirates eventually got underway after an hour's delay on Wednesday. Pakistan had reportedly objected to ICC referee, Andy Pycroft, officiating the match. Pycroft was in charge on Sunday when India and Pakistan players did not shake hands, both at the toss and at the end of the game. Live coverage of the Asia Cup is on TNT Sports and discovery+
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Pakistan's match against the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup was delayed by an hour on Wednesday amid continuing controversy following Pakistan's clash with India.
Pakistan had reportedly objected to ICC referee, Andy Pycroft, from officiating Wednesday's match.
Pycroft was in charge on Sunday when India and Pakistan players did not shake hands, both at the toss and at the end of the game.
There had been concerns that Pakistan might leave the tournament but it was confirmed on Wednesday that they had left the hotel to go to the ground and play the game.
The Pakistan Cricket Board later released a statement explaining the issue and the resolution.
The PCB statement read: "The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team.
"Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board had strongly reacted to Andy Pycroft’s actions. Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication and apologised.
"The ICC has expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match."
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Earlier, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir told reporters: "Consultations are going on and the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour."
The match was due to start at 18:30 local time in Dubai, but eventually did get underway at 19:30 (16:30 BST). Pycroft led the players out into the middle.
Every match in the Asia Cup is live on TNT Sports and discovery+, through to the final on September 28.
Sunday's meeting of India and Pakistan was the first between the two countries since the military conflict earlier this year.
India claimed a comfortable victory by seven wickets, with captain Suryakumar Yadav and batting partner Shivam Dube immediately leaving the field rather than shaking hands in the middle, as is the custom.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson said: "Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game.
"We were disappointed that our opposition didn't do that."
When the match did eventually start, Pakistan made 146-9 from their 20 overs.
Fakhar Zaman scored a crucial 50 off 36 balls, with two fours and three sixes.
Junaid Siddique took four wickets for 18 off his four overs, with Singh Kang taking three wickets for 26 off his four overs.
The UAE always looked like falling short, and they were bowled out, as Pakistan claimed victory by 41 runs.
Pakistan won their opening match against Oman by 93 runs last week.
But defeat to India left them under pressure. They delivered the goods against the UAE however, and will now face old rivals India again on Sunday.
It's a mouthwatering feast of cricket on TNT Sports and our streaming platform discovery+ over the coming months, with the following all available to watch live:
| Event | Format | When |
| Ireland v England | Three-match T20 series | Sep 17–21 |
| Caribbean Premier League | T20 tournament | Aug 15–Sep 22 |
| Asia Cup | T20 tournament | Sep 9–28 |
| New Zealand v England | Five-match white-ball series | Oct 18–Nov 1 |
| The Ashes - Australia v England | Five-match Test series | Nov 21–Jan 8 |
| Sri Lanka v England | Six-match white-ball series | Jan 22–Feb 3 |
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