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Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup after a perceived slight during the India-Pakistan match, claiming that India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The Pakistan Cricket Board said match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for miscommunication. But did he? We fact check that claim.

Amidst uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s Asia Cup participation, the PCB demanded match referee Andy Pycroft’s removal, alleging code of conduct violations during the India-Pakistan match, specifically regarding the captains not shaking hands. Despite PCB’s threats and ACC’s involvement, the ICC stood firm, asserting Pycroft followed ACC instructions and didn’t violate any rules.

The match started an hour late as Pakistan threatened a pull-out after the handshake fiasco during the previous game against India before Salman Agha’s team climbed down and showed up for the game.

Umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge was forced off the field after being struck on the ear during Pakistan’s Asia Cup clash against UAE in Dubai. Pakistan posted 146/9, led by Fakhar Zaman’s 50 and Shaheen Afridi’s 29*. UAE’s chase began shakily, with strikes from Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed in their very first overs.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement that ICC match referee Andy Pycroft apologized for the “no-handshake” incident during the India-Pakistan Asia Cup match, saying that it happened due to miscommunication. Earlier, the PCB formally requested Pycroft’s replacement for their subsequent match, a request that was denied. Pycroft is the match referee for the…

Watching India and Pakistan train in Dubai highlighted the gulf between the two sides. India’s discipline, punctuality and structured sessions contrasted starkly with Pakistan’s disorganised approach. While Indian batters endured rigorous drills under coaches, Pakistan turned to casual football and trial-and-error practice — mirroring their struggles on the field.