Asia Cup: PCB Chief Naqvi Instructs Pakistan Team to Head to Stadium

The toss for Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE has been delayed by one hour, Amir Mir announced on Tuesday. The delay is due to an ongoing dispute over the match referee. Mir, Advisor to the PCB Chairman, said consultations are ongoing and a final decision is expected soon. He shared that PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi is in talks with former chairmen Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. The toss is now likely to take place at 7:30 PM PST.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan team has not yet left for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The players were scheduled to depart at 5 PM PST. However, sources confirmed they were instructed to stay inside the hotel. The team bus waited outside for 30 minutes, but no player boarded it. The match venue remains unchanged as discussions continue behind closed doors.

The issue stems from a controversial decision involving the match referee during Pakistan’s earlier clash with India. Pakistan raised concerns about alleged unfair conduct by the referee. This includes a reported instruction to avoid handshakes with Indian players. The situation has led to demands for the referee’s removal from future matches.

In the meantime, the PCB is trying to resolve the matter diplomatically. Amir Mir expressed hope for a positive outcome during a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium. He said Chairman Naqvi would soon make an official announcement. The team’s participation hinges on the resolution of the ongoing dispute.

This latest delay adds more tension to Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 campaign. Fans are eagerly waiting for clarity on the match status. The outcome of these talks will determine whether Pakistan continues in the tournament. For now, the spotlight remains on the PCB’s final decision.