Pakistan's Asia Cup withdrawal drama: PCB claims Andy Pycroft apologises to Pakistan team

 “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,” PCB said in a statement.

“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.”

The Pakistan cricket team has arrived at the Dubai International Stadium for their match against the UAE. After an emotional decision to boycott the Asia Cup if match referee Andy Pycroft remains, the PCB came to its senses and finally allowed its team to depart for the stadium.

Pakistan team arrives at DIS after hours of uncertainty. pic.twitter.com/U0GeAng8lX

— Shashank Kishore (@captainshanky) September 17, 2025

The Pakistan vs UAE Asia Cup match has been surrounded by controversy following the handshake incident post their match against India. On September 14, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to appear in post-match presentation, with coach Mike Hesson expressing displeasure over India’s refusal to shake hands.

PCB lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding match referee Andy Pycroft, and demanded his immediate removal from Pakistan’s Asia Cup games the next day. On September 16, the ICC rejected the demand, prompting the PCB to threaten not to take the field if Pycroft remained as match official.

Pakistan also cancelled their pre-match media conference but went ahead with their net session, while sending a second letter to the ICC reiterating their request. On September 17, after some delay, the Pakistan team bus finally departed from the hotel. The match has been delayed by an hour, but the match is expected to go ahead.