Dubai: Pakistan secured a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates at the Asia Cup, setting up another highly anticipated match against India. The match, which was delayed by an hour, took place amid tensions following the fallout from Sunday’s game against India. Pakistan’s win ensures their place in the Super Four stage of the competition, continuing the narrative between the two cricketing giants.
According to BBC, the delay was attributed to ongoing tensions stemming from the previous encounter between India and Pakistan. Pakistan claimed that Indian players refused to shake hands after Sunday’s match, marking the first meeting between the two nations since a military conflict earlier this year. Additionally, Pakistan alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft advised their captain, Salman Agha, not to engage in the customary handshake with his Indian counterpart at the toss. As a result, Pakistan requested Pycroft’s removal from officiating in the tournament.
The game was initially scheduled to start at 15:30 BST, but Pakistan’s team remained at their hotel as discussions continued. They eventually departed for the Dubai International Stadium about 30 minutes before the scheduled toss. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chair, Mohsin Naqvi, held discussions with former chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi prior to the team’s departure. Organizers later announced that the match would commence at 16:30 BST, and a PCB statement confirmed that Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan team manager and captain.
This incident is the latest in a series of strained relations between India and Pakistan, impacting their cricketing engagements. The two countries do not play bilateral series, limiting their encounters to global events. Earlier this year, India’s matches at the Champions Trophy were relocated to Dubai as they refused to travel to hosts Pakistan. Similarly, Pakistan will not travel to India for the upcoming Women’s World Cup, with their matches being moved to Sri Lanka instead.
The upcoming rematch between India and Pakistan is scheduled to take place in Colombo on Sunday, 5 October.