Contest between Pakistan and UAE in the Asia Cup proceeds as planned following Pycroft's apology
The PCB, representing Pakistan, is embroiled in a heated dispute ahead of their Asia Cup clash against the UAE. A row with match referee Andy Pycroft has led to a formal complaint, delayed the match, and sparked calls for a boycott on social media. The controversy began when Pakistan's Agha Salman was allegedly denied a customary handshake by Pycroft during their match against India. The PCB has launched a complaint, claiming Pycroft deliberately prevented the handshake. The ICC has agreed to investigate the alleged breach of the code of conduct during the match. Pycroft has since apologized to Pakistan's team manager and captain for the incident. The Asia Cup match against UAE, initially scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. Pakistan Time, has been extended to 8:30 p.m. due to the controversy. Pakistan players boycotted the post-match ceremony in protest, and the PCB Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, is consulting former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi on the matter. Despite the uncertainty, Pakistan trained in Dubai on Tuesday, signaling the team's intent to play. The search did not return relevant information about who decided that the Pakistan cricket team could leave the Dubai Cricket Stadium after Pycroft's apology. The incident has heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, with Pakistan condemning India's captain Suryakumar Yadav's gesture of dedicating his team's victory to Indian soldiers. The PCB has criticized this as politicizing sport. Calls to boycott the Asia Cup have gained traction on social media, with some expressing disapproval of the PCB's handling of the situation. However, Naqvi has allowed the team to leave the hotel for the Dubai Cricket Stadium, indicating a willingness to continue with the tournament. As the Asia Cup unfolds, the controversy surrounding match referee Andy Pycroft and the alleged breach of the code of conduct continues to cast a shadow over the competition. The ICC's inquiry into the matter will undoubtedly provide further insight into the incident and its impact on the tournament.
