The ICC has retained former Zimbabwe batter Andy Pycroft as the match referee for Pakistan's must-win fixture against UAE in the Asia Cup on Wednesday, despite the PCB's insistence on having him removed creating uncertainty over whether the match would be played at all, and ultimately causing the start to be delayed by 60 minutes. The match eventually began after Pycroft apologised to the Pakistan team, according to the PCB, for his actions during the India-Pakistan game on Sunday.

Minutes before the delayed toss at 7pm local time, the PCB issued a statement declaring Pycroft had "apologised to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

"Andy Pycroft had barred the captains of India and Pakistan from shaking hands during their match," the statement said. "The Pakista

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