The International Cricket Council (ICC) has confirmed that Andy Pycroft will officiate as the match referee for the upcoming India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 21st. The high-voltage game will be played on Sunday in Dubai.
The decision comes despite strong objections from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). Earlier, PCB had accused Pycroft of going against the spirit of cricket. They claimed he told players Suryakumar Yadav and Agha Salman not to shake hands at the toss or after the match on September 14. That game, also in Dubai, ended with controversy and heated arguments.
Pycroft, a respected member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Officials, was later cleared of all charges. ICC stated that he did not apologize, contrary to PCB’s claims. The governing body stood by their official and dismissed the false statements made by Pakistan’s board.
As a result, PCB had little choice but to move on. They even delayed their game against the UAE by an hour during negotiations but could not change the outcome. Now, with the matter settled, Pycroft will continue his role without interruption.
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India and Pakistan Ready for Asia Cup Super Fours
The big clash on Sunday will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. It is the same venue where the handshake controversy took place. That match also saw Pakistan skipper Agha Salman skip the post-match presentation in protest.
This will be the first Super Fours match for both India and Pakistan. India enters the stage with strong form. They are undefeated so far in the tournament. Their latest victory came against Oman in Abu Dhabi, where they won by 21 runs.
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Led by Suryakumar Yadav, India also defeated the United Arab Emirates and Pakistan in earlier matches. With three wins in Group A of Asia Cup 2025 they were the only unbeaten side to qualify.
Pakistan also advanced after doing enough in the group stage. With tensions now settled off the field, all focus will shift back to cricket when the arch-rivals meet again on Sunday.
FAQs
Who will be the match referee for the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash?
Andy Pycroft will be the match referee for the game.
Why was there a controversy involving Andy Pycroft?
PCB claimed he told players not to shake hands during the last India-Pakistan game, but ICC dismissed the allegation.
Did Andy Pycroft apologize to the PCB?
No. ICC confirmed that Pycroft did not apologize, rejecting PCB’s statements.
