Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan seek withdrawal as UAE match postponed

Published - 17 Sept 2025, 18:50 IST | Updated - 17 Sept 2025, 19:26 IST

Pakistan are seeking a withdrawal from the ACC Men's Asia Cup 2025 with immediate effect. Their match against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 17 has been delayed by an hour for further negotiations to make the stance of things official. The PCB and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi are in talks with former PCB officials to take a final call concerning the decision.

If withdrawn, the Group A's Pakistan vs UAE fixture will stand forfeited and Muhammad Waseem-led side will be awarded the match and the points thereto. This will also make them the second side from the group to make it through to the Super Fours, after the India did it fair and square following their back-to-back wins in the tournament thus far.

"Mohsin Naqvi, the PCB chair, is meeting and discussing with former chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi. They are discussing the issue and are in touch with Dubai over the matter. The match has been delayed by an hour for now," said PCB spokesperson Amir Mir as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

"We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow," said Naqvi via his official social media handle 57 minutes before the original start time for the match.

PAK v UAE set to be cancelled, ACC deletes match post

"Asia Cup 2025 - Match 10 - Pakistan vs UAE. The match will start at 7:30pm local time. Toss will take place at 7:00pm," the organizers updated officially, meaning that the game will start at 9 PM Indian Standard Time, while the toss will take place at 8.30 PM.