Thu Sep 18 18:20:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the text:

**Summary:**

A scheduled Asia Cup cricket match between Pakistan and the UAE was delayed by an hour due to a dispute between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The dispute stemmed from a “no handshake” row during a previous match between India and Pakistan, where match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly instructed the captains not to shake hands at the toss. The PCB felt this, along with the Indian team’s subsequent lack of handshakes after their victory, violated cricketing tradition and lodged a complaint. After Pycroft apologized to the Pakistan team, and the ICC agreed to review the incident, Pakistan agreed to play.

**News Article:**

**Asia Cup Match Delayed as Pakistan Protests ‘No Handshake’ Row**

*Dubai, UAE* – Tonight’s Asia Cup cricket match between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates was delayed by an hour amid a diplomatic row between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC). The delay stemmed from a controversial incident during Pakistan’s previous match against India, where match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly instructed captains not to shake hands at the coin toss.

The PCB lodged a formal complaint, alleging that Pycroft’s instruction and the subsequent lack of handshakes from the Indian team after their victory violated the spirit of the game. The PCB demanded Pycroft’s removal from officiating any further Pakistan matches.

“The ICC’s match referee, Andy Pycroft, has apologized to the manager and captain of the Pakistan cricket team,” the PCB said in a statement. “Andy Pycroft termed the September 14 incident a result of miscommunication.”

The PCB also said that the ICC “expressed its willingness to conduct an inquiry into the code of conduct violation that occurred during the September 14 match”.

The deadlock threatened the Group A fixture against the UAE, a crucial match for both teams’ progression to the Super Four stage. Sources indicate the Pakistani team initially refused to depart for the stadium. However, a resolution was reached just minutes before the scheduled toss, with Pycroft offering an apology to the Pakistan team and the ICC agreeing to investigate the incident. Video released by the PCB showed ICC General Manager of Cricket Wasim Khan mediating the settlement.

With the matter apparently resolved, the match commenced at 7:30 pm local time, with Andy Pycroft officiating. The outcome of the match will determine which team joins India in the Super Four stage of the tournament.

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