The India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 group stage created significant headlines, particularly due to the post-match handshake controversy. Now, these two teams are set to clash again in the Super 4 stage. This match will be held at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. An important update has emerged regarding match referee Andy Pycroft, which may not sit well with Pakistan.
Andy Pycroft’s Role in the India-Pakistan Match
According to media reports, Andy Pycroft will be the match referee during the India-Pakistan match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 21. Pycroft was also the match referee during the previous encounter between these two teams. After the handshake controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made serious accusations against Pycroft and demanded his removal from the tournament. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had instructed Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands at the toss. However, the ICC later clarified that Pycroft had done so to save both captains from embarrassment.
Andy Pycroft was also the match referee in Pakistan’s previous match against the UAE. There was a lot of controversy before this match as well. Pakistan had refused to play the match against the UAE. However, Andy Pycroft, the match referee, later clarified the whole incident, and then Pakistan agreed to play the match. Pakistan also claimed that Andy Pycroft had apologized, after which the match started. But this claim also proved to be false.
One-Sided Victory in the Group Stage
The India-Pakistan group stage match was also played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. In this match, Team India won by 7 wickets. The Indian team, batting first in that match, restricted Pakistan to just 127 runs. The target was achieved in 15.5 overs by losing 3 wickets. Therefore, Team India is expected to have an advantage in the Super 4 match as well.