An undated picture of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. — Screengrab through Fb@icc
DUBAI: Andy Pycroft will stay the match referee for the extremely anticipated Tremendous 4 conflict between Pakistan and India within the ACC Males’s T20 Asia Cup 2025, scheduled for tomorrow (Sunday) on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium.
The controversy started in the course of the group-stage assembly on September 14, when Pycroft instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to not shake fingers on the toss.
The incident led to seen stress, with each skippers avoiding customary gestures earlier than and after the match.
Pakistan’s crew supervisor, Naveed Akram Cheema, lodged an official protest, arguing that Pycroft mishandled the matter. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi additionally filed a proper grievance with the ICC, in search of his removing from officiating Pakistan’s fixtures.
Though the request was denied, Pycroft later apologised to Pakistan’s captain and crew administration forward of their match towards the UAE, which had already been delayed attributable to behind-the-scenes discussions.
Regardless of the off-field unrest, Pakistan went on to defeat the UAE and safe their qualification for the Tremendous 4 stage alongside India.
Elsewhere, Sri Lanka topped Group B unbeaten with six factors, whereas Bangladesh completed second on 4.
In Group A, India led the standings after their victory over Oman, with Pakistan ending second. Oman ended and not using a win, whereas the UAE managed one.
The Tremendous 4 stage begins on Saturday in Dubai with Sri Lanka dealing with Bangladesh. India and Pakistan will conflict on the identical venue on Sunday, earlier than Pakistan takes on Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi on September 23.
