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DUBAI: Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft has apologised to the Pakistan cricket team captain Salman Ali Agha, and team manager over the handshake row during the India-Pakistan ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 clash on September 14.
The uncertainty over the Pakistan-UAE clash surrounded due to the handshake row during the India-Pakistan clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 1
Shortly before the delayed toss between the teams, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement.
“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the board said in a statement.
“A result of miscommunication and apologised”, the statement added.
Despite this, Andy Pycroft will remain the match referee for the Pakistan-UAE clash.
Earlier, the Pakistan team arrived at the Dubai Stadium following the PCB chief’s directives.
“We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” he wrote on X.
Meanwhile, PCB spokesperson Amir Mir had announced that the delayed start of the match between Pakistan and UAE in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025 has been
“The consultation process is ongoing, and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi is discussing with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi and on the other hand, online negotiations are also going on with Dubai.
“Immediately, the match between UAE and Pakistan has been delayed by one hour,” he said in a short press conference.
The highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan remained full of drama off the field. India chased down Pakistan’s 128-run target, with skipper Suryakumar Yadav sealing the win in the 16th over.
The post-match proceedings, however, took a controversial turn as unbeaten batters Yadav and Shivam Dube bypassed the customary handshake, opting for fist bumps before walking off, leaving Pakistan players waiting.
The PCB, on Monday, wrote to both the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), calling for Pycroft’s replacement following the controversial no-handshake episode in the high-profile clash against India.
The board argued that the referee’s directive to skip the traditional handshake at the toss, as well as post-match, undermined the spirit of cricket and violated the MCC’s code of conduct.
“No handshakes were exchanged before or after the match, which is a direct violation of the game’s spirit and long-standing traditions,” the PCB had stated in its letter, accusing Pycroft of failing in his responsibilities.
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