The UAE won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat in their Asia Cup encounter on Wednesday, although the game started an hour late due to uncertainty following the recent handshake issue with India.
Read more: Olympic Rivals to Clash in Javelin Final
The Pakistan squad had initially remained at their hotel as PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi presided over a high-level meeting in Lahore with former chairman Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, as well as Aaqib Javed, to decide whether the team would compete in the event. Naqvi later verified that the squad was cleared to travel for Dubai Cricket Stadium, and the Asian Cricket Council stated that the match will begin at 8:30 p.m. PST.
The delay was caused by tensions with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, who had prohibited Pakistan and India’s captains from shaking hands after their September 14 encounter. The event provoked controversy in Pakistan, with captain Salman Ali Agha skipping media appearances and the PCB submitting an official protest. Although Pycroft eventually apologized, the ICC denied PCB’s plea to replace him, demanding that he continue in charge.
Read more: ACC Sparks Confusion With Deleted Match Announcement
Earlier reports claimed that Pakistan could boycott their match against the UAE, but the squad eventually decided to play. Before the game, the PCB suspended its Director International, Usman Wahla, for mishandling the matter. The pre-match news conference was also cancelled, citing the presence of Indian journalists and concerns of further escalation.
