It seems Pakistan will not get respite from match referee Andy Pycroft as he is expected to officiate yet another time in the India vs Pakistan Super 4 stage of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 event on Sunday, September 21. Pycroft, who was at the thick of things in the group-stage clash between the teams due to handshake controversy, will be seen in the hot seat when the second Super 4 clash is played at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
Notably, the Zimbabwe-born referee was accused by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of apparently saying to skippers Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to greet each other during the toss. Later, Surya, players, and coaching staff refused a customary handshake after the clash, with the India skipper also dedicating the win to the Pahalgam victims' families and Army officials.
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The issue did not yet end, as PCB continued off-field drama by sending official emails to ICC and also breaching the code of conduct by uploading a muted video on social media. While ICC has accused PCB of multiple violations, one does not know what the board and players will do after the clash against India yet again on Sunday.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: ICC takes action against Pakistan, punishes PCB for multiple violations
ICC bluntly told PCB to deal directly with the issue to Asian Cricket Council
Notably, the ICC also bluntly told PCB to deal with the handshake saga directly to ACC, which is also headed by PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. If Pakistan boycotts the ongoing Continental Cup, then it will only lose a lot of income. Already, the board is not so well off as the Indian board, and it will be wise on Pakistan's part not to take such drastic steps, which will have a cascading effect.
Speaking about the Super 4 clash, India will yet again start as overwhelming favorites due to winning 14 of the 18 T20Is played against Pakistan. The Surya-led side also convincingly beat them in the group-stage clash by seven wickets.
