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Asia Cup: Pakistan to play UAE after ICC referee apologises over handshake row

Pakistan will play their Asia Cup clash against UAE after ICC referee Andy Pycroft apologised over the handshake controversy, calling it a “miscommunication.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

DUBAI : The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed on Wednesday that its team will go ahead with their Asia Cup clash against the UAE after receiving an apology from ICC match referee Andy Pycroft over the recent handshake controversy involving Indian cricket team.

The row erupted when Pycroft barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands following their September 14 group stage match in Dubai, a decision that provoked a strong reaction from the PCB.

In a statement, the PCB said Pycroft apologised to both the manager and captain of the Pakistan team, calling the incident a “miscommunication.” The ICC, meanwhile, has expressed its willingness to launch an inquiry into the alleged code of conduct violation.

The PCB noted that while the episode was regrettable, the apology was accepted in the “spirit of the game,” clearing the way for Pakistan to play their must-win fixture against the UAE later today.

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