The Pakistan vs UAE Asia Cup 2025 fixture, a must-win for the Pakistan national cricket team to enter into the next stage, started under a cloud of controversy. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) raised objections over ICC’s decision to retain Andy Pycroft as the match referee. The PCB accused Pycroft of barring handshakes between Indian and Pakistani players during their previous clash, sparking tensions that threatened Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
The game eventually kicked off at the Dubai International Stadium, but not before a dramatic delay.
The Handshake Controversy Explained
The drama dates back to September 14, when the Pakistan vs India cricket game ended in chaos.
- At the toss, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha avoided shaking hands.
- After the match, Indian players walked off without handshakes.
- PCB alleged that referee Andy Pycroft instructed against the gesture, calling it a violation of the Spirit of Cricket and ICC’s code of conduct.
PCB’s official complaint demanded Pycroft’s removal from the remaining Asia Cup matches. The ICC, however, rejected the appeal.
PCB’s Strong Reaction
On September 17, tensions peaked:
- Pakistan players were ordered to stay back at their hotel until 4:30 pm local time.
- PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted ex-heads Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi in Lahore.
- Rumors swirled that Pakistan might withdraw from the Asia Cup.
Finally, at around 5:45 pm, PCB confirmed players would head to the ground. The toss was rescheduled to 8:30 pm and the match began at 9:00 pm IST.
Moments before the toss, PCB released a statement claiming Pycroft apologized for the “miscommunication”. They also posted (and later deleted) a clip allegedly showing him apologizing to Salman Ali Agha. Ramiz Raja was also disappointed with the statements of Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav as well. According to them, cricket should not be mixed with politics.
Match Update: Pakistan vs UAE
- Pakistan scored 146 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their 20 overs and gave a target of 147 to UAE.
- The UAE in return were bowled out for 105 runs in 17.3 overs.
- Pakistan managed to win the game by 41 runs.
- Fakhar Zaman scored 50 runs in 36 balls and Junaid Siddique took 4 wickets for 18 runs.
- Pakistan qualified for the Super 4s.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event | Outcome |
| September 14 | India vs Pakistan ends without handshakes | PCB files complaint |
| September 16 | ICC rejects PCB’s demand to remove Pycroft | Tensions rise |
| September 17 | PCB delays departure for UAE match | Game delayed |
| September 17 | Pycroft “apologizes” for miscommunication | Match resumes at 9:00 PM IST |
FAQs on Pakistan vs UAE Controversy
Why was the Pakistan vs UAE match delayed?
The match was delayed after PCB protested against ICC referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of mishandling the India clash.
Did Andy Pycroft apologize to Pakistan?
Yes, PCB released a statement claiming Pycroft apologized for the handshake miscommunication. However, a video posted by PCB was later deleted.
Will Pakistan continue in the Asia Cup?
As of now, Pakistan has resumed participation. Future matches remain on schedule unless fresh disputes arise.
How to end any chaos?
Chaos are built when one tries to destroy the value of others in terms of respect, dignity and pride. Like in the game between India and Pakistan on September 14th, the incident of avoiding handshake with the Pakistan Cricket Team initiated a controversy. The Indian Cricket Team did so to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack and make Pakistan realise their merciless involvement in the terror attacks on innocent Indians in Pahalgam earlier this year.
It has been evident from history as well that a clash cannot end another clash. Only through the right spiritual guidance and wisdom, one can bring peace and lasting happiness. Pakistan’s involvement in the act of terrorism has been questioned for decades now, still the nation has not been able to put an end to accommodating terrorism in their nation because it lacked divine spiritual wisdom. We divided ourselves in religions with the aim of attaining God, not to initiate crimes on each other. Each one of us are the children of Supreme God Kabir. His Complete Saint, Jagatguru Tatvdarshi Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, has been making us aware about the true spiritual wisdom to avoid conflicts.
In order to gain more knowledge about the profound spiritual knowledge shared by Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj, visit His following platforms, order His books free of cost and you can even watch His deeper spiritual sermons at His youtube channel as well.
Website: www.jagatgururampalji.org
Youtube Channel: Sant Rampal Ji Maharaj
Facebook Page: Spiritual Leader Saint Rampal Ji
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