The match referee for the Pakistan vs. UAE Asia Cup match may be changed, with Richie Richardson potentially replacing Andy Pycroft. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has withdrawn its threat to withdraw from the tournament and will field its team in the final group league match against the UAE. According to sources within the PCB, an agreement has been reached, stipulating that match referee Andy Pycroft will not officiate in matches involving Pakistan, and Richie Richardson will take on the role of match referee. The PCB had initially sought Pycroft’s removal, citing a violation of ICC rules, after Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players in respect for the 26 people killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack. However, the governing body rejected this request.
