When the 2025 Asia Cup schedule was announced, it was said that India and Pakistan could face each other three times. The schedule itself seemed set up for such matches.
It was anticipated that Asia Cup's schedule was designed to allow three encounters between the two nations. A league match on September 14 has already occurred, with another potentially on September 21, and some even predicted a final showdown between the two.
However, hold on... Something on Tuesday, September 15, has changed the Asia Cup dynamics.
UAE defeated Oman by 42 runs, eliminating Oman from the tournament, and UAE has now entered the Super Four race. The Indian team has secured its place in Super-4. With Oman out and India confirmed in Super-4, the next match between India and Oman on Friday, September 19, is now insignificant.
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On the other hand, the match against Pakistan is crucial for UAE, as it could directly secure them a Super 4 spot. If UAE upsets Pakistan, they will face India in Super Four, previously thought to be a contest between India and Pakistan on September 21.
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Could Pakistan Be Ousted This Way?
Following the handshake controversy with India, Pakistan has threatened to forfeit the match against UAE, demanding the removal of referee Andy Pycroft, who officiated the India-Pakistan match. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upset that Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players post-match. PCB claims Pycroft advised both captains against shaking hands before the toss on September 14.
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Source: aajtak
X showcased Naqvi's anger as PCB filed complaints with ICC demanding the removal of the match referee from the Asia Cup. Captain Surya and Team India avoided shaking hands with the Pakistani team. Following this, PCB took the matter to ACC and ICC, claiming a breach of sportsmanship by India.
Pycroft is set to officiate the crucial group match between Pakistan and UAE. If ICC sticks to its decision not to remove Pycroft and Pakistan forfeits the match, Salman Agha's team won't reach the Super-4. UAE will advance without playing against Pakistan as a walkover will be assigned, given Pakistan's previous win over Oman by 93 runs, securing only 2 points. Therefore, forfeiting against UAE could lead to Pakistan's elimination from the tournament.
