Guwahati, Sept. 17 -- In a major boost before Pakistan's crucial Asia Cup group stage clash against the UAE, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) insider confirmed to Indian news agencies that match referee Andy Pycroft would be replaced by Richie Richardson after a compromise reached with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The decision was made amid a tense standoff between the PCB and the ICC after Sunday's match against India.

After the match, the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts.

Instead they paid "silent tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives."

The PCB sought Pycroft's removal from officiating any further Pakistan matches in the tournament.

After a day of...