The Pakistan cricket team is optimistic about facing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the Asia Cup match this evening.According to team sources, preparations are fully complete and the match will take place as per schedule. However, the game will be played without Andy Pycroft, who has not been accepted as the match referee.
PCB insiders revealed that West Indies’ Richie Richardson is likely to be appointed as referee for the fixture between Pakistan and UAE.
Pakistan’s Strong Stand Against Pycroft
Sources confirm that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has written another letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), reiterating its firm stance on replacing Andy Pycroft.The PCB has warned that if its demand is not met, it will maintain its boycott position. Pakistan will officially agree to play only after its reservations are addressed and the demand is fulfilled.
It is noteworthy that yesterday, an Indian cricket website claimed the ICC had rejected Pakistan’s request to remove Pycroft as referee for the Pakistan-India match.Pakistan had raised objections over Pycroft’s handling of the handshake incident, demanding his removal from Asia Cup assignments.
Earlier, on September 15, Pakistan had expressed strong displeasure over the referee’s conduct during the match against India and warned that it would not participate in further Asia Cup games if Pycroft was not replaced.
