Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan seek withdrawal as UAE match postponed

Pakistan are seeking a withdrawal from the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 with immediate effect. Their match against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17 has been delayed by an hour for further negotiations to make the stance of things official. The PCB and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi are in talks with former PCB officials to take a final call concerning the decision. 

If withdrawn, the Group A's Pakistan vs UAE fixture will stand forfeited and Muhammad Waseem-led side will be awarded the match and the points thereto. This will also make them the second side from the group to make it through to the Super Fours, after the India did it fair and square following their back-to-back wins in the tournament thus far.

"Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair, is meeting and discussing with former chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. They are discussing the issue and are in touch with Dubai over the matter. The match has been delayed by an hour for now," said PCB spokesperson Amir Mir as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Pakistan players leave for venue

Naqvi further wrote that the players have left for the stadium, and shortly thereafter, 

"We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow," said Naqvi via his official social media handle 57 minutes before the original start time for the match.

"Asia Cup 2025 - Match 10 - Pakistan vs UAE. The match will start at 7:30pm local time. Toss will take place at 7:00pm," the organizers updated officially, meaning that the game will start at 9 PM Indian Standard Time, while the toss will take place at 8.30 PM.

Meanwhile, the toss happened as per the updated timings, where the UAE elected to bowl first in presence of match referee Andy Pycroft. PAK skipper Agha announced a couple of changes to the side, as Haris Rauf and Khushdil Shah made their way into the Playing XI, having missed both the games thus far.