Cricket fans across the region were left in suspense on Wednesday evening as the much-awaited UAE vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash faced an unexpected one-hour delay due to the standoff between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). It is a virtual knockout that will decide which team books the final berth in the Super 4s of the tournament.
Why Was the Toss Delayed for UAE VS Pakistan?
It was scheduled for 6 pm UAE time. However, the toss was pushed back to 7 PM after the PCB threatened to boycott the match. Moreover, the board lodged a strong protest against the match referee to accuse him of bias during the recent India-Pakistan clash that sparked the controversial no-handshake episode. Additionally, PCB argued that the role of Pycroff compromised the spirit of the game and demanded his removal from the referee panel.
On the other hand, the ICC rejected the PCB appeal twice, which boosted the tension. As per the reports, Pakistani players were instructed to stay in their hotel which further fuelled speculation of a possible withdrawal.
PCB’s Final Call
A middle ground was reached after the urgent consultation at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore with PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi and former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. Moreover, the UAE officials also joined the discussion to stress the importance of honoring the broadcaster commitments and sponsorship deals.
Later, Naqvi confirmed that Pakistan would take the field by tweeting, “ We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow.”
High-Stakes Encounter
It is a do-or-die encounter for Pakistan and the UAE, as both teams have two points. However, Pakistan has a 3-0 head-to-head record against the UAE. Still, the hosts are expected to pose a serious challenge after a win against Oman.
Despite the political drama, the spotlight is now shifted to the pitch. Pakistan is looking to revive its campaign after its harsh defeat by India. On the other hand, the UAE will be aiming to create history by reaching Super 4 for the first time.
What’s Next?
As of now, the PCB has allowed its team to proceed with the UAE fixtures. Still, they are demanding the removal of Pycroft from the future matches. So, the ICC’s handling of this controversy will be closely watched because the escalation could destroy the smooth progress of the tournament.
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