Dubai, Sept 17: Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup hangs in the balance after the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft.

The PCB has written a second letter pressing its case, accusing Pycroft of siding with India during the September 14 clash that sparked the handshake controversy. The ICC, however, is reluctant to set a precedent by changing a match official under pressure.

As of late Tuesday, a meeting was underway in Dubai, even as the Pakistan team was instructed to move to the Dubai International Stadium, pending a final decision on whether it will play against the UAE.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Officials of the Emirates board, acting as de facto hosts, have reportedly stepped in to mediate. A compromise plan suggested replacing Pycroft with Richie Richardson for Wednesday’s match while retaining Pycroft for the rest of the tournament. It remains unclear if this arrangement will be accepted.

The crisis escalated after the PCB threatened to pull out of the tournament, raising alarm for organizers, sponsors, and broadcasters. UAE board officials are said to have warned of serious implications if Pakistan withdrew at this stage, with tickets already sold and commitments in place.