Pakistan’s Asia Cup match against United Arab Emirates was delayed by an hour on Wednesday following uncertainties over their continued participation in the eight-team tournament bedevilled by geopolitical issues.
Pakistan have been demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who oversaw their politically-charged Group A match against arch-rivals India on Sunday.
While the UAE players reached the Dubai International Stadium on time and did their pre-match training, Pakistan captain Salman Agha and his team stayed in their hotel rooms before being asked to reach the venue.
“We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow,” Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also the country’s interior minister, wrote on X.
The Asia Cup is the flagship tournament of the Asian Cricket Council also headed by Naqvi.
While Pakistan’s primary objection is the presence of Pycroft, the larger issue is tied to their relations with India, which have further soured since a military conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May this year.
India beat Pakistan in Sunday’s contest but refused to shake hands with them after the match.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav referred to the May clashes and dedicated their seven-wicket win to India’s armed forces.
The PCB bemoaned the “lack of sportsmanship” and wrote to the governing International Cricket Council seeking the removal of match referee Pycroft, who oversaw the contest.
[REUTERS]