Haris Rauf made it clear that Pakistan’s players were unaffected by the off-field storm that surrounded their Asia Cup group-stage clash against the UAE, as the side led by Salman Ali Agha brushed aside uncertainty to secure a berth in the Super 4s.Pakistan cricket team pacer Haris Rauf made it clear that the players were not affected by the off-field drama surrounding the Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE on Wednesday.
The shadow of ‘boycott’ loomed large on the game as Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged multiple complaints to remove match referee Andy Pycroft over his role in the ‘handshake’ controversy against India. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request on multiple occasions before Pycroft himself had a dialogue with the Pakistan team management. The start of the match was delayed by an hour but Pakistan ended up playing and winning the match by 41 runs to reach the Super Four stage.
The Andy Pycroft Saga
After much drama on Wednesday, Pakistan withdrew its pullout threat and showed up for a crucial Asia Cup game against the UAE on Wednesday, but not before causing a delay and claiming that it had received an “apology” from match referee Andy Pycroft, who was retained by the ICC despite the country’s repeated demand for his removal.
That Pycroft would remain match referee was communicated to PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi by ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta in a conference call. The ICC maintained that the Zimbabwean would remain in charge as he had followed all the rules and regulations.
Pakistan had held Pycroft responsible for the embarrassment it faced after Salman and Suryakumar did not exchange a handshake or their team sheets during the toss on Sunday. The PCB alleged that Pycroft had prohibited Salman from shaking hands with Suryakumar and told the two captains not to exchange team sheets.
A source in the ICC revealed the following details to NDTV about what transpired behind the scenes:
1. On 15th September, the ICC received an email from the PCB highlighting what it described as an “incident” at the toss during the India vs. Pakistan match on September 14. In its communication, the PCB alleged that Mr. Pycroft’s conduct was in violation of the Spirit of Cricket and the ICC Code of Conduct, and requested that he be withdrawn from his duties in the Asia Cup.
2. The ICC immediately conducted a review. The review concluded that Mr. Pycroft had acted entirely in accordance with the ICC Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket. He had simply conveyed to both captains the instructions he had received from tournament organisers, with the objective of preserving the sanctity of the toss and avoiding any potential embarrassment arising from information asymmetry. These findings were formally shared with the PCB.
Despite this, the PCB maintained its position, continuing to allege violations and informing the ICC of its unwillingness to take the field with Mr. Pycroft as match referee.
3. The ICC reiterated its findings to the PCB, making it clear that there were no grounds for either the removal or reassignment of Mr. Pycroft. The ICC also received a request from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) to reassign Mr. Pycroft. This request was reviewed and rejected on the same grounds, consistent with the position already communicated to the PCB.
4. On the suggestion of Mr. Pycroft himself, the ICC facilitated a meeting between the Pakistan captain, team manager, and Mr. Pycroft in the referee’s room. During the meeting, Mr. Pycroft expressed regret if any miscommunication had occurred but emphasised that he had only relayed a message from the venue manager and had not violated the Code of Conduct in any way.
5. Subsequently, on 17 September, the ICC received another email from the PCB requesting a formal inquiry into alleged Code of Conduct violations during the India vs. Pakistan match on 15 September and subsequent incidents. The ICC responded by requesting that the PCB provide specific evidence to demonstrate any violation. The ICC is awaiting further information in this regard.
However nothing conspired as stated as Andy Pycroft who believed aftaer an apology was seen officiating a match between Pakistan and UAE which started late due to the the drama posed by Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). However, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf in a post match presser said that the team kept themselves distanced from the controversies off field and conecentarted on the game in hand vs UAE.
Pakistan Star Haris Rauf Breaks Silence on off-field drama Asia Cup 2025 in around UAE clash
Haris Rauf said he stayed focused despite off-field controversies during the Asia Cup. The team now prepares for a crucial Super 4 clash against India amid ongoing tensions. After PCB’s Asia Cup boycott threat, issues with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, a one-hour delayed start to the must-win fixture against the UAE, and a handshake row with Team India, tearaway Haris Rauf feels the Pakistan board has handled the situation well.
On Wednesday, a new drama ensued in Dubai during the ongoing Asia Cup after the Pakistan team refused to leave the team hotel in the Marina area for its must-win fixture against the UAE. Pakistan’s act was a clear response to their demand for the removal of the match referee, Andy Pycroft, which was denied by the ICC.
Tension had loomed over the fixture after the PCB lodged multiple complaints with the ICC demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, following the now-infamous handshake controversy in the India game. The ICC rejected the request several times before Pycroft himself stepped in to clarify matters with the team management, paving the way for the match to go ahead—albeit with a delayed start.
Pakistan got the clearance from the management and eventually arrived at the stadium, but the game had to be delayed by an hour. Pakistan cancelled the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, but held a practice session before their clash against the UAE.For Haris Rauf, though, none of it mattered once he crossed the boundary rope.
“I wasn’t feeling any pressure. This is not in my control. These are decisions for the board; it’s their headache,” Haris Rauf said at the post-match press conference.
“For me, I had to play the match, my focus was on that. The management have handled things pretty well.”
The fast bowler, back in the XI, played his part as Pakistan claimed a dragged-out win, with Shaheen Afridi leading the way in an all-round show. It was the response the team needed after being comprehensively beaten by India earlier in the tournament.
But doubts remain about whether this Pakistan side can really emulate the Champions Trophy-winning squad of 2017, who overcame chaos to script a famous triumph.
“It’s not my domain to speak on who plays and who doesn’t—that’s for the coaches and captain,” continued Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf said when asked about parallels to that side.
“As a player, if we get the opportunity, it’s on us to make the most of it. As for the batsmen, I’m sure they are discussing things among themselves. We have a few days before the next game, so hopefully we can prepare well.”
That next game is a blockbuster: a Super 4 showdown against defending champions India on September 21. After the off-field noise and the setback in their first meeting, Pakistan will have to put distractions firmly behind them if they are to spark a turnaround.
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