In a shift, Richie Richardson is likely to replace Andy Pycroft as the match referee in the upcoming Asia Cup match between Pakistan and the UAE. This change comes after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reversed its decision to withdraw from the tournament. The PCB will now participate in its final group league match against the UAE. Sources indicate that a compromise was reached, leading to Richardson’s appointment. The PCB’s initial demand to replace Pycroft followed an incident where Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The ICC, however, did not accept the PCB’s request.
