• Source:JND
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Pakistan vs UAE, Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cricket team has got a major boost ahead of their must-win match against the UAE in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 as the ICC has reportedly removed the match referee Andy Pycroft from their remaining matches of the tournament.

PCB had made a request to the ICC, asking for the removal of Pycroft from the Asia Cup, alleging that he sided with India during the handshake, controversy and didn't uphold the spirit of the game. Pycroft was the dedicated referee for the PAK vs UAE match, which is scheduled to be played in Dubai on Wednesday.

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The whole controversy erupted after the Indian players refused the customary handshake with Pakistan cricketers following their Asia Cup match as a protest against the Pahalgam attack. The move left the PCB furious, which called the whole scenario a violation of the spirit of sportsmanship. The board threatened to boycott the continental tournament if its demands were not met.

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Notably, the PCB also cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of the UAE clash, fueling the speculations of Asia Cup boycott; however, the players attended the practice session on the eve of the game. While the ICC rejected PCB's plea to get rid of Pycroft for the remainder of the tournament, the global governing body came up with an alternate option.

Meanwhile, Richie Richardson will replace Andy Pycroft as match referee during the Pakistan vs UAE clash.


PAK vs UAE, a virtual knockout

Having lost their all-important match against India, Pakistan will need to go past the hosts UAE, in their final group A fixture in order to qualify for the Super Fours.

Both the UAE and Pakistan are tied on points, and the winner of the match will qualify for the next round.

On the other hand, India have already qualified for the Super Fours after their wins over the UAE and Pakistan. If the Men in Green make it through as well, the arch-rivals are expected to face again in the tournament.