NEW DELHI: Pakistan was compelled to back down from its pullout threat and turn up for a crucial Asia Cup clash against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, though not before triggering a dramatic delay following the ICC’s repeated refusal to replace match referee Andy Pycroft.

Pakistan delays departure after ICC rejects Pycroft removal

Earlier, the team had refused to leave its hotel for the must-win group match, which eventually began at 9pm IST instead of the scheduled 8pm, with Pycroft officiating.

As per protocol, teams must report to the stadium two hours before the start, a requirement Pakistan ignored in protest.

ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta, during a conference call, informed PCB chairman and Asian Cricket Council head Mohsin Naqvi that Pycroft would continue as match referee.

The ICC stood firm, asserting that the Zimbabwean official had acted strictly in line with the rules and regulations.

Handshake controversy at toss sparks PCB protest

Pakistan had held Pycroft responsible for the embarrassment it faced after its captain Salman Ali Agha and India skipper Suryakumar did not exchange a handshake and their team sheets during the toss on Sunday.

The PCB said that Pycroft had told Salman to avoid a handshake with Suryakumar and told the two captains to not exchange team sheets.

The Indian players did not shake hands with the rivals even after the match as a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Standoff continues as ICC rejects second complaint

On Wednesday, once the Pakistan team didn't leave from the Grosvenor Hotel in Dubai, it was evident that the deadlock continued after the rejection of a second PCB complaint by the ICC.

Pycroft himself was present at the Dubai International Stadium and left the venue surrounded by bodyguards after he was called to the ICC Headquarters just a kilometer away from the ground.

ICC issues six-point rebuttal, backs Pycroft's conduct

The ICC gave a six-point rebuttal in which it maintained that the PCB's complaints were baseless.

The ICC in its written communication stated: "The ICC's investigation was conducted on the basis of the information provided in the report lodged by the PCB. We took the report at face value and note that no supporting documentation or evidence was provided with it.

"The PCB had every opportunity to submit statement from its team members alongside the initial report but chose not to do so."

The second point stated that there was "no case to answer" on the part of match referee.

"The actions that match referee took was, following clear directions to him from ACC (Asian Cricket Council) Venue Manager, were consistent with how a match referee will deal with such an issue, communicated as it was with no time for him to do anything else (minutes before the toss)."

The ICC in its third pointer was clear that Pycroft was committed to "preserving the sanctity of the toss and avoiding any potential embarrassment that might have arisen. "

"The Match Referee was not at fault in any of this."

"It is not the role of the Match Referee to regulate any team or tournament specific protocols which have been agreed outside of the area of play, that is a matter for the tournament organizers and relevant team managers," the ICC added.

Responsibility shifted to ACC, not match referee

The conclusion was a terse one where the ICC brass wondered if "...the PCB's real concern or complaint relates to the actual decision that handshakes didn't take place."

"The PCB should therefore direct those complaint to the tournament organiser and those who took the actual decision (which was not the Match Referee). The ICC doesn't have a role in that."

In a nutshell, ICC actually put the ball back in "ACC chairman" Mohsin Naqvi and Tournament Director Andy Russell's court.

High stakes: PCB faces $16 million loss if it pulls out

The PCB can lose up to USD 16 million if they don't play the tournament. Naqvi took advice from two former PCB chairmen -- Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi -- before deciding that the team would continue.

Naqvi consults ex-PCB chiefs before team agrees to play

It is not known what transpired in that meeting but soon after Naqvi took to 'X' and announced.

"We have asked the Pakistan team to depart for the Dubai Cricket Stadium. Further details to follow." The team left the venue soon after that.

(With PTI Inputs)