In a dramatic turn of events at the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan's crucial match against the United Arab Emirates commenced an hour late, all due to the ongoing tensions following their controversial face-off with India.

The day before, Pakistan's players were reportedly snubbed by their Indian counterparts, who refused to shake hands after their match—their first clash since escalating military conflicts. Allegations surfaced that match referee Andy Pycroft advised Pakistani captain Salman Agha against shaking hands during the toss, igniting further disputes.

Faced with this controversy, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) demanded the removal of Pycroft from officiating duties at the tournament, heightening the stakes ahead of a must-win game against the UAE.

Originally scheduled to kick off at 15:30 BST, players remained holed up in their hotel while discussions continued. It wasn't until 30 minutes before the planned toss that they made their way to Dubai International Stadium.

In a last-minute series of meetings, PCB chair Mohsin Naqvi conferred with former heads Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi, leading to the announcement that the match would now begin at 16:30 BST. Shortly after, Pycroft issued an apology to the Pakistan cricket team’s management, a move that could change the dynamics moving forward.

With their eyes set on victory, Pakistan anticipates a rematch with India if they triumph over the UAE, setting the stage for even more drama in the Super Four stage on Sunday.

This latest chapter highlights the impact of strained India-Pakistan relations on cricket, as political tensions continue to overshadow the sport. Matches between the two fierce rivals are seldom seen outside of global competitions, and India previously relocated its Champions Trophy matches to Dubai amid security concerns regarding travel to Pakistan.

As the cricketing world watches, Pakistan’s journey continues with an additional twist; their women’s team has already opted out of next month’s Women’s World Cup in India, instead playing in Sri Lanka—demonstrating just how deeply politics can penetrate sporting events.

All eyes are now on October 5, when India and Pakistan are set to meet once again in Colombo, poised to deliver yet another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry.