Dubai, September 17, 2025: In an unprecedented move, the Pakistan cricket team has boycotted its final group-stage clash against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025, escalating the ongoing “handshake controversy” with match referee Andy Pycroft.

Team refuses to travel to stadium

According to reports from Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) instructed its players to remain at their hotel and not proceed to the stadium. Kits and luggage were reportedly left on the team bus, while players stayed confined to their rooms. An urgent press conference is expected soon to formally announce the decision.

The match, scheduled for 8:00 PM IST (6:00 PM local time), is now clouded in uncertainty. The UAE squad has already reached the ground, but Pakistan’s absence appears to confirm a last-minute withdrawal.

Dispute over match referee

The boycott follows the ICC’s rejection of PCB’s demand to replace Pycroft as match referee for the fixture. The PCB had accused Pycroft of bias during Pakistan’s heated encounter with India, where tensions escalated at the end of play.

During that match, Indian players led by captain Suryakumar Yadav reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, citing solidarity with victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack and support for the Indian Armed Forces’ Operation Sindoor.

In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha declined to attend the post-match presentation. The PCB further alleged that Pycroft prevented the customary exchange of team sheets and advised Salman not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart – actions the board labelled “irregular and biased.”

PCB’s strong objection

In a letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), the PCB wrote:
“The match referee failed to discharge his responsibility: to ensure respect was extended and maintained amongst captains and competing sides. Instead, his instructions caused disrepute to the game.”

The PCB also argued that Pycroft’s conduct violated Article 2 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Match Officials, which prohibits behaviour contrary to the spirit of the game.

Possible consequences

The decision to boycott could prove costly for Pakistan. Early estimates suggest the PCB risks losing up to USD 16 million in revenue, alongside potential disciplinary sanctions from the ICC. The controversy also places additional scrutiny on PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who simultaneously heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).

A diplomatic flashpoint

The episode has become more than a sporting dispute, spilling into the realm of politics and diplomacy. While India has defended its players’ actions as a mark of solidarity against terrorism, Pakistan has denounced the move as “unsporting” and accused the ICC of siding against them.

As the tournament progresses, the fallout from the boycott may reshape cricketing relations in the region, raising questions about governance, neutrality, and the spirit of the game.