Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan match delayed amid uncertainty over participation

Pakistan’s match against the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup has been delayed by an hour amid the ongoing fallout from Sunday’s match against India.

Pakistan said India’s players refused to shake hands after the match – the first between the two countries since the military conflict earlier this year – and also claim match referee Andy Pycroft told their captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with his India counterpart at the toss.

Pakistan subsequently asked for Pycroft, due to be match referee for Wednesday’s match against the UAE, to be removed from officiating at the tournament.

Wednesday’s match, a must-win for Pakistan, was due to begin at 15:30 BST.

Their players remained at the team hotel as talks continued but did depart for the Dubai International Stadium around 30 minutes before the scheduled toss.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chair Mohsin Naqvi held talks with his predecessors Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi shortly before their departure.

Soon after organisers announced the match will begin at 16:30 BST. Pycroft is expected to remain as match referee.

Should Pakistan beat the UAE, they will meet India again in Dubai on Sunday in their first match of the Super Four stage, meaning the episode will continue.

It is the latest occasion relations between India and Pakistan has impacted cricket.

They already do not play each other outside of global events and India’s matches at the Champions Trophy were moved to Dubai earlier this year after they refused to travel to hosts Pakistan.

Pakistan will not travel to India for next month’s Women’s World Cup, with their matches instead being moved to Sri Lanka.

India and Pakistan meet in Colombo on Sunday 5 October.