DUBAI: Asia Cup was enveloped in high drama Wednesday as the Pakistan team, smarting over being refused handshakes before and after the India match last Sunday, first threatened to boycott its must-win game against UAE, then started play an hour late.

The team initially refused to travel to Dubai International Cricket Stadium after its call to replace match referee Andy Pycroft with Richie Richardson was turned down. Pakistan had alleged it was Pycroft, “acting on behalf of BCCI”, who had instructed captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with skipper Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. PCB sent a second letter to ICC seeking Pycroft’s removal. ICC, however, retained him & reportedly issued a rebuttal clearing him of wrongdoing.