By Admin 
Asia cup 2025: The Handshek controversy, which stood up after the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025, has now reached a new turn. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had talked to the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove the referee Andy Payakroft from the Asia Cup. Paiyoft was the referee of the India-Pakistan match held on September 14, and Pakistan alleged that they worked in favor of Team India. Although the ICC did not remove him from the tournament, it was decided that Paycroft would not play the role of referee in Pakistan -related matches.
Richie Richardson gets responsibility
According to a reports quoted by PTI to the source, the match between Pakistan and UAE on September 17 will be former West Indies veteran Richie Richardson referee. He has already held the responsibility of match referee in many big tournaments. According to PCB sources, this is a “compromise”, so that the displeasure of both sides can be averted.
Who is Richie Richardson?
Andy Paiyoft’s career did not have special achievements as a player, while Richardson has been a big name for the West Indies. He played 86 Tests and 224 ODIs, including more than 12,000 runs. He has 21 international centuries in his name. Richardson, who made his debut in 1983, represented the West Indies team till 1996. After retirement, he stepped into the umpiring and referee panel. So far, he has played the role of referee in 58 Tests, 108 ODIs and 117 T20 Internationals.
Challenge increased for Pakistan
Even though Pakistan has managed to get Paiyoft away from its matches, cricket experts believe that this decision may be reverse for them. Richie Richardson’s name is very honored in the cricket world and it would be almost impossible to pressurize him. In such a situation, opposition to Pakistan can go against them.
Experts believe that PCB should avoid repeated disputes, otherwise their image will have a negative effect. If there is a demand to change the referee in every match, it can harm Pakistan’s credibility.
Next match is important
Now everyone’s eyes will be on the Pakistan vs UAE match to be held on September 17 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match is like a do or die for Pakistan, because in the event of losing, it will be very difficult for his way to reach Super-4.