The highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash between Pakistan and the UAE finally got underway on Wednesday in Dubai, but not before a dramatic delay caused by Pakistan’s protest against the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) decision to retain match referee Andy Pycroft.

The match, scheduled to begin at 8:00 p.m. IST at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, eventually commenced an hour later at 9:00 p.m. IST following intense behind-the-scenes negotiations. UAE captain Muhammad Waseem won the toss and opted to bowl first, with both teams under pressure in what had effectively become a virtual knockout match.