Match referee Andy Pycroft will oversee Wednesday's crucial group-stage encounter between Pakistan and the UAE in the Asia Cup 2025, despite uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s participation in the remainder of the tournament, news agency PTI reported.

The controversy stems from an incident during Pakistan’s previous match against India, where Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The handshake snub, according to Suryakumar, was a symbolic tribute to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the Indian Armed Forces’ retaliatory Operation Sindoor.