Karachi:
Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup remained cloudy with uncertainty on Tuesday after the team canceled its press conference before the match ahead of a crucial group a clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Reports suggested that the move was linked to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing protest against combat referee Andy Pycroft, following the controversial “no -handshake” episode in Sunday’s match against India.
Salman Ali Agha’s side, scheduled to play their must-win luminaire against UAE on Wednesday in Dubai, attended training later in the evening. However, the PCB has not issued any official statement confirming whether the match will move on.
The controversy stems from India’s rejection of shaking hands with Pakistan before and after their seven-wicket victory on Sunday. Pakistan said Pycroft had instructed both captains not to shake hands on the thrown in violation of MCC’s laws and the spirit of cricket.
PCB filed a formal complaint with ICC and demanded Pycroft’s removal from the rest of the Asia Cup. However, according to reports in Indian media, the ICC rejected the placement and confirmed that the Zimbabwish official will continue to act as a judge.
PCB filed a formal complaint with ICC and demanded Pycroft’s removal from the rest of the Asia Cup. However, according to reports in Indian media, the ICC rejected the placement and confirmed that the Zimbabwish official will continue to act as a judge.
According to the schedule, if the Pak-Uae match continues Wednesday (today), Pycroft will oversee the game, but if Pakistan Boycot is, UAE will move on to the Super Four Stage and send the two-time masters home.
Tensions escalated further after Indian Captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s victory to victims of the Pahagam attack. The fight succeeded four months after a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is now undergoing possible disciplinary action against Indian players to deny the usual handshake with fines allegedly under consideration, according to a media report.
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson called India’s behavior “against the spirit of the game”, while team leader Naveed Akram Cheema reiterated that it was the referee who had advised against handshakes at the throw. In protest, Skipper Agha skipped the presentation after the match.
In Islamabad, while talking at the launch of the publication ‘Strategic Bill: Perspectives on Deterrence and Escalation After Pahaldam-May 2025’ on Tuesday, Minister of Information Attaullah Tarar criticized the Indian government for politicizing cricket.
“Modi -regime tried to politicize cricket sports, but it was just a failed attempt to save himself from embarrassment,” he said. He added that such theater in the sports field was typical of regimes that were morally compromised.
Despite the turmoil off-field, Wednesday’s clash remains a knockout. Both Pakistan and UAE beat Oman, but lost to India, leaving their meeting a direct shootout for a super four place with the defense champions.
Pakistan, who defeated the UAE twice in the Sharjah Tri series last month, is preferred to move on. UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, participates in the competition bent by their growing confidence and a strong top order.
