Dubai, Sept. 17 -- The Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates was delayed by an hour today after a dramatic standoff over the "No Handshake Controversy," with Pakistan threatening to boycott unless match referee Andy Pycroft was replaced.
Match officials confirmed that the toss, originally scheduled for 6 pm local time, was pushed to 7 pm, and the game was rescheduled to begin at 7.30 pm after the Pakistan team finally reached the venue at 6:29 local time (7:59 IST).
Their bus had remained at the hotel for hours as tense discussions unfolded between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The controversy erupted on September 14 when Pakistan captain Salman Agha refused to a...