Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan vs UAE clash set to be cancelled, ACC's deleted post sparks controversy

In a fresh development to the story that is hardly half-a-week old, the Pakistan Cricket Board is unmoved from its stance to participate further in the tournament without the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the officials list for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. As a result, the Pakistan cricket team may not play its next game scheduled to be played against the UAE at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17, ruling themselves out of the tournament.

The Asian Cricket Council had already done its preparations for the game, even posting a social media announcement for the do-or-die clash for both the sides. However, the post has now been deleted, leaving the cricketing fraternity in chaos whether the match will actually go ahead. For the unversed, the PCB had filed an official complaint with the ICC for Pycroft's take during the no-handshake row during the India vs Pakistan tie, according to The Times of India.

Check ACC's deleted social media post here

The Salman Ali Agha-led side had already shown its intention from taking any further part in the tournament, after the skipper deliberately missed the post-match presentation after losing to India on Sunday. He also did not appear for the post-match press conference, and the pre-match one ahead of the UAE clash, showing clear signs of distancing themselves from participation until their home board's demands are met.

Andy Pycroft to continue as match referee despite PCB row

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Andy Pycroft to continue as match referee despite PCB row

It is worth mentioning that the Group A, which includes India, Pakistan, Oman, and the UAE as the four teams, has only one spot left for grabs in the qualification race for the Super Fours. The Men in Blue, following their back-to-back comprehensive victories, have made it through already, and while Oman are also ruled out, the Men in Green pulling out would mean that the UAE would become the second team to go further in the Super Fours, their first time in the continental competition's history.

Barring the Pakistan vs UAE fixture, the only game remaining in the Group B is the one between India and Oman, which is as good as any dead rubber. This will also mark an end to the group stage fixtures, as the Super Fours will begin on September 20 in Dubai. The finals on September 28 will be played between the top two teams at the end of the Super Fours.