The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a serious threat: they may withdraw from their upcoming Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against the United Arab Emirates. This ultimatum comes with a condition – the International Cricket Council (ICC) must remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament. This dramatic development stems from a recent controversy where the Indian cricket team reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani rivals after their Sunday match.
Sources indicate that the ICC is unlikely to concede to PCB’s demands, having already clarified their position on the matter.
The “handshake drama” unfolded during the post-match rituals when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and his team reportedly declined the traditional handshake with their Pakistani opponents. Adding to the tension, the Indian dressing room door was closed, preventing the usual post-match greetings.
Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, and coach Mike Hesson voiced their strong disapproval of India’s actions. Following the incident, Agha reportedly boycotted the post-match presentation, opting not to engage with former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar.
Asia Cup: Super 4s Qualification Scenarios and Pakistan’s Potential Withdrawal
The PCB’s threat to pull out of their match against the UAE carries immense implications. Should Pakistan go through with the boycott, they would automatically be eliminated from the Asia Cup tournament.
Such a boycott would leave Pakistan with only two points from their single victory against Oman, a tally insufficient for advancing to the Super 4s stage. In this scenario, both India and the UAE would secure enough points to progress.
India has, in fact, already clinched its spot in the next phase of the competition. This was confirmed after the UAE defeated Oman by 42 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Currently, India leads Group A with four points from two wins against the UAE and Pakistan. Pakistan holds the second position with two points. Although the UAE also has two points after Monday’s game, their net run rate is significantly inferior. However, if Pakistan boycotts its match, the UAE would be granted a walkover, boosting their points to four. Oman has already been eliminated.
This sequence of events would guarantee both India and the UAE a place in the Super 4s. India has already solidified its position with victories over both the UAE and Pakistan.
If Pakistan decides to proceed with their match against the UAE, the encounter will become a high-stakes decider, with the winner earning the right to join India in the Super 4s. The tournament’s dynamics hinge heavily on the ICC’s decision regarding the PCB’s demand for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who is slated to officiate Pakistan’s crucial game against the UAE.