A tense evening unfolded at the Dubai International Stadium as Pakistan’s fixture against the UAE faced unexpected disruption. The match eventually began after a 60-minute delay once Andy Pycroft, the ICC match referee, issued an apology to the Pakistan team. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed that Pycroft had apologised for barring captains from shaking hands during the India-Pakistan clash earlier in the week. Until the issue was resolved, Pakistan players were instructed to remain at their hotel and only left for the venue after official clearance from Lahore.
The PCB’s reaction to Pycroft’s actions was strong, with senior figures such as Mohsin Naqvi, Ramiz Raja, and Najam Sethi holding urgent discussions about Pakistan’s participation. The controversy stemmed from the belief that Pycroft’s instructions went against MCC laws and undermined cricketing traditions.
Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s captain, skipped the post-match presentation in protest after the India game, while the board cancelled their scheduled press conference before the UAE match. Training sessions still went ahead, but the uncertainty lingered until Pycroft clarified his position and apologised.
Once the apology was accepted, Pakistan’s team management gave clearance for the squad to leave their hotel. They arrived just before 6.30 pm, allowing the toss to proceed at 7 pm and the game to begin at 7.30 pm. The ICC has since confirmed that an inquiry will be conducted into the incident, ensuring the matter will not be brushed aside quietly.
Andy Pycroft’s apology and the sixty-minute standoff explained
The standoff began when Pycroft reportedly told Pakistan’s captain that there would be no handshakes at the toss or after the match against India after the match between India and Pakistan. The PCB viewed this as a breach of MCC laws and in direct conflict with the spirit of cricket.
Following the game, the board lodged a formal complaint with ICC general manager Wasim Khan, demanding Pycroft’s removal from remaining fixtures. For Pakistan, this was not a minor issue but a matter of principle, and they delayed their participation until clarity was given.
During this tense period, players remained confined to their hotel, awaiting confirmation from Lahore. Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB and ACC head, consulted with former PCB chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi to determine a course of action.
Their collective stance was that unless Pycroft addressed the issue, Pakistan’s participation could be reconsidered. The apology ultimately came just in time, with Pycroft explaining that the incident was the result of miscommunication rather than deliberate misconduct.
Once Pycroft expressed regret and acknowledged the PCB’s concerns, the board allowed the team to head to the ground. They arrived minutes before the revised toss, with fans already anxious in the stands. Broadcasters had to adjust their coverage, but the game finally started with minimal disruption on the field. Though the match was played, the controversy exposed gaps in referee communication and tournament oversight that the ICC will now need to address.
Knockout tilt: Pakistan vs UAE — form, nerves, and XIs
The Pakistan versus UAE clash carried knockout implications, as both sides had beaten Oman but lost heavily to India. This meant the fixture in Dubai served as a direct eliminator, with the winner joining India in the Super Four.
Pakistan entered as favourites, having recently beaten the UAE twice during a tri-series in Sharjah, but those matches showed that the UAE had the ability to compete in patches.
Pakistan’s major concern heading into this game was consistency. Against India, they were dominated from the very first ball, leading coach Mike Hesson to describe it as a bad day. Critics, however, have questioned whether Pakistan’s recent positive results reflect genuine progress or simply success against weaker opponents. Fakhar Zaman’s batting remains central to their chances, though his innings have often ended prematurely. Alongside him, Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub hold responsibility for building a solid platform.
For the UAE, the top order continues to be their strongest weapon. Captain Muhammad Waseem has led by example with his recent form, including a 69 against Oman, while Alishan Sharafu has given stability at the top of the order. Their spinners, led by Haider Ali and Dhruv Parashar, add control during the middle overs. The pitch in Dubai was expected to favour slower bowlers, making these battles crucial. Both teams named settled elevens, with Pakistan sticking to the same lineup for a third consecutive game.
Key players to watch
Pakistan leaned on Fakhar Zaman for impactful innings, even if his runs have often come in short bursts. His ability to change momentum in a few overs makes him a dangerous prospect despite inconsistencies. Shaheen Afridi’s presence gives Pakistan depth with both ball and bat, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz carry responsibility in conditions likely to favour turn.
For the UAE, Muhammad Waseem’s opening partnership with Sharafu remains their biggest strength. If they can build a platform, Asif Khan provides the firepower to push the total higher. Haider Ali’s spell of 2 for 22 against Oman demonstrated his ability to restrict top-level opponents, and Dhruv Parashar’s offspin has also been effective. Their performance in this knockout game could define the UAE’s year.
What this means for Pakistan and tournament oversight?
The controversy came at the worst possible time for Pakistan, which faced a do-or-die game. By standing firm, the PCB projected strength but also risked disruption to the team’s preparation. In the end, the apology prevented escalation, but the ICC inquiry will need to set clearer boundaries for referees moving forward. Referees must now ensure communication is transparent with captains, especially in high-profile games.
For Pakistan, the focus now shifts back to cricket. Their ability to regain concentration after such a dramatic build-up will determine how deep they can go in this tournament. Coach Mike Hesson will aim to steady nerves, while Salman Ali Agha must lead by example after making a strong public statement through his earlier protest. UAE, meanwhile, has every reason to believe it can capitalise on Pakistan’s unsettled build-up.
The bigger picture is that this incident raises questions about matchday governance. Small rituals like handshakes may appear minor but hold symbolic weight, and referees must balance rules with traditions. The ICC’s investigation will clarify whether Pycroft overstepped or simply miscommunicated, and their findings could set new standards for future tournaments.
Next steps and possible fallout
The ICC inquiry will decide whether Pycroft’s instructions violated conduct codes or simply reflected poor communication. If referees are found at fault, stronger training and clearer matchday guidelines will likely be implemented. Boards like the PCB will also expect more involvement in decisions that affect team representation and image.
For Pakistan, this controversy will remain a distraction unless they perform strongly in the Super Four. Their consistency and composure under pressure will be tested in every match, and strong leadership will be needed to keep focus on cricket rather than external disputes. For the wider tournament, the incident is a reminder that communication breakdowns can overshadow the game and must be avoided in the future.
Conclusion
The Pakistan-UAE clash was meant to be a straightforward knockout, but it became the centre of controversy even before the first ball was bowled. Andy Pycroft’s decision to restrict handshakes caused uproar, and the PCB’s firm stand delayed the game until a public apology was offered. While the apology allowed play to continue, it left behind questions for referees, boards, and the ICC about how such issues should be handled in the future.
Pakistan managed to take the field and secure clarity, but the larger lesson is that communication and tradition in cricket remain deeply important. For the team, the immediate concern is to shift focus back to results and rebuild confidence heading into the Super Four. For the ICC, the inquiry’s outcome will determine whether stricter measures are needed to ensure referees respect both rules and the spirit of cricket.
In the end, the incident demonstrated how small moments of miscommunication can spiral into high-stakes disputes. Cricket is not only about bat and ball but also about respect, clarity, and conduct. By addressing this issue transparently, the ICC can prevent similar disruptions in the future and ensure that the focus remains on the game itself. Fans now hope the cricket will take centre stage again as the Asia Cup moves into its crucial phase.
