Pakistan's Asia Cup Boycott Threat Fails, Match Against UAE Proceeds After Delay

Pakistan were put in to bat in their must-win Asia Cup 2025 group match against the UAE on Wednesday, after the start in Dubai was delayed by their protest against the ICC's refusal to replace match referee Andy Pycroft. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and elected to bowl in the presence of match referee Andy Pycroft and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

Play began an hour late following behind-the-scenes negotiations, with the match, originally scheduled for 8:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time), eventually starting at 9:00 PM IST (7:30 PM local time). PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi announced on X that the Pakistan team had been instructed to proceed to the stadium. "We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow," Naqvi posted.