DUBAI : Amid PCB’s threat to boycott the tournament, the Pakistan team is yet to arrive at the Dubai International Stadium with barely more than an hour left for the toss to take place for their must-win final group stage clash against the UAE at the ongoing Asia Cup on Wednesday.

Pakistan cancelled the pre-match press conference on Tuesday but held a practice session. Pakistan’s decision was directly linked to its unhappiness with the ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, whom the PCB demanded be removed.

The controversy arose when India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players after securing a landslide 7-wicket win in the rivalry clash in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan expressed its dissapointment by pulling out of the post-match presentation.

The handshake row escalated after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws relating to the spirit of cricket. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) will not entertain Pakistan’s request.

India’s stance on refraining from engaging in shaking hands with their counterparts was linked to the strained relations between the two nations in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, during which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists.

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