Pakistan vs UAE LIVE: Will Pakistan Boycott Asia Cup 2025? What’s Really Going On

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by

Himanshu
in

Tensions are high ahead of the crucial Asia Cup 2025 clash between Pakistan and the UAE. Reports of Pakistan’s delayed departure to the stadium and threats of boycott have dominated headlines. Adding to the drama, the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has now quietly deleted its own social media post about this match, fueling speculation about what’s happening behind the scenes.

What Triggered the Crisis

  • After the India vs Pakistan match, there was a “no-handshake” controversy.
  • The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
  • The International Cricket Council (ICC) initially refused to change the referee, prompting boycott talk from Pakistan.
  • The ACC then posted routine match updates about Pakistan vs UAE on social media — but unexpectedly deleted them later, sparking rumours about a possible cancellation or rescheduling.

The Latest Developments

IssueInitial MoveCurrent Status
Match RefereePCB wanted Andy Pycroft replaced.ICC reportedly agreed; a new referee (Richie Richardson) may officiate.
Boycott ThreatPCB hinted at pulling out of match/tournament.Threat softened; Pakistan expected to play.
Team DepartureReports: team hadn’t left hotel as match start neared.Delays linked to negotiations, not a confirmed boycott.
ACC Social Media PostACC posted about the match schedule.Post was deleted without explanation, adding to confusion.
Financial ImpactWithdrawal could cost PCB millions.Cost factor makes pull-out unlikely.

Why the Deleted ACC Post Matters

Deleting an official match-day post is unusual for a governing body like the ACC. While no official explanation has been given, it suggests either:

  • ongoing last-minute negotiations about referee/venue,
  • precaution against misinformation, or
  • a possible postponement scenario.

For fans, this has added fuel to speculation that Pakistan might actually boycott or that the fixture may be altered.

Impact on Players and Tournament

  • Players’ Focus: Constant uncertainty affects performance and mental preparation.
  • Tournament Schedule: Rescheduling a match would complicate the Asia Cup’s logistics.
  • Fans & Broadcasters: Confusion over fixtures can hurt viewership and advertising commitments.

Likely Outcome

Most signs still point to Pakistan playing the match against UAE after securing a new referee. The ACC’s deleted post may simply reflect caution rather than an actual cancellation. However, all eyes remain on official statements from PCB and ACC until the teams actually walk out onto the field.

What to Watch Next

  • Official re-posting or clarification by ACC.
  • Confirmation of the match referee for Pakistan vs UAE.
  • PCB’s final word on participation in Super 4 stage.

Key Takeaway

Despite the drama — referee dispute, boycott threats, and now a deleted ACC social media post — Pakistan is still expected to play UAE in the Asia Cup 2025. But the episode shows how off-field controversies can overshadow cricket and how quickly narratives can change in the age of social media.

Disclaimer: Information above is based on publicly available reports as of now and may change as new official statements are issued. This article does not represent any board’s final decision.