Dubai: Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign witnessed fresh drama on Wednesday after the national team refused to leave their hotel in protest against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to retain Andy Pycroft as match referee. The players eventually left for the stadium, but the match against the UAE will begin an hour late, sources told PTI.
Earlier in the day, Pakistan had remained adamant on their demand for Pycroft’s removal. This was the second time the ICC rejected their request. The controversy stems from Sunday’s group match against India, when Pakistani players accused Pycroft of instructing skipper Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav in solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The team also alleged Pycroft blocked the customary exchange of team sheets.
“If Pakistan does not take the field, full points will be awarded to the UAE,” a tournament source said. The UAE squad has already arrived at the stadium, and a walkover would secure their place in the Super Four stage.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) directed players to “stay in their rooms and wait for further instructions” before the team finally departed. Pycroft, a 69-year-old former Zimbabwe cricketer, remains listed as the official match referee for the fixture.
