Following the Pakistan-India match in the Asia Cup, Andy Pycroft will no longer officiate in Pakistan’s subsequent games. The PCB reached an understanding with the ICC that resulted in Richie Richardson taking over as match referee. The PCB had expressed its dissatisfaction with certain decisions made during the match. The ICC’s initial response was complicated by its signatory, Waseem Khan, the ICC general manager and ex-PCB CEO. A potential withdrawal by Pakistan was avoided, which would have resulted in significant financial loss for the PCB. In contrast, the Indian team, fresh from victory, focused on rigorous training exercises. Pakistan’s practice session differed, with players engaging in a football passing drill. The atmosphere surrounding Pakistan’s team was marked by underlying tension, with the teams maintaining a distance. An Indian player’s birthday was celebrated.
