NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s campaign at the Asia Cup 2025 has plunged deeper into controversy. On Tuesday, the team unexpectedly canceled its scheduled pre-match press conference, just hours before their critical match against the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
This latest development follows a significant threat from Pakistan to withdraw from the tournament entirely if match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed from his position.
Pakistan had lodged a formal complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of failing to address their grievances regarding the Indian players’ decision to skip the customary post-match handshake after their game in Dubai on Sunday.
However, despite the threats, sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) indicate that a full withdrawal from the tournament remains highly improbable.
Mohsin Naqvi, chief of the PCB and also heading the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), confirmed that an official complaint had been filed with the International Cricket Council (ICC). The complaint alleged that Pycroft had violated the ICC Code of Conduct and disregarded the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) laws pertaining to the spirit of cricket. Nevertheless, the ICC dismissed Pakistan’s demand.
The Handshake Controversy
The core of the dispute originated when India’s players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This act was reportedly a symbolic protest in response to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Suryakumar even chose to avoid shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss ceremony.
Pakistan claimed that Pycroft had explicitly instructed both captains not to engage in a handshake at the toss, which subsequently prevented the exchange of team sheets between Suryakumar and Salman.
Amidst Pakistan’s protests, Suryakumar Yadav publicly dedicated India’s victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and to the Indian armed forces, emphasizing solidarity with affected families.
The stakes are high for Pakistan: if they fail to take the field against UAE on Wednesday, they will face elimination from the Asia Cup. With two points from one win and one loss, securing a victory against UAE is essential for them to advance to the Super Four stage.