Suryakumar yadav and Salman Ali Agha - (Source: @Airnewsalert/X.com)
India and Pakistan will square off for the third time in two weeks as the two neighbouring nations are all set to face each other at the Asia Cup 2025 final on Sunday, September 28, at the Dubai International Stadium. The two teams have arrived at the stadium, and the fans, too are filling the seats fast to witness the blockbuster event.
Richie Richardson to be the match referee for the Asia Cup final
Further, there is a curiosity among the fans about the match referee for the final, as it has been a topic of controversy in the entire Asia Cup. For the unversed, there is indeed a change, and Richie Richardson will be the match referee for the Asia Cup final as reported by Kushan Sarkar.
Notably, for the previous two matches, former Zimbabwe player Andy Pycroft was the match referee, and a lot of controversy erupted following the 'handshake-sage' after the group-stage match.
What Was The Controversy Surrounding Andy Pycroft?
Notably, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side refused to shake hands with Pakistan on September 21, following which the PCB urged the ICC to remove Andy Pycroft for failing to notify the board regarding India's decision not to shake hands.
The matter went on for days, but the ICC refused to take any action against the 69-year-old. Eventually, Pakistan threatened to boycott the Asia Cup if Pycroft was not removed from the Asia Cup. The drama grew so big that the PCB instructed the team to stay back in hotel for the UAE game.
Eventually, Pycroft continued as the match referee while Pakistan agreed to play against the UAE and eventually qualified for the Super Four round after a comfortable win.
However, for the final, Richardson will be the one who will be in charge and look after the proceedings of the game.
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