The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has issued a stern warning, threatening to withdraw from their upcoming Asia Cup 2025 Group A match against the United Arab Emirates. This dramatic stance comes after a contentious incident where the Indian cricket team reportedly refused to engage in the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts following their Sunday match. The PCB’s ultimatum demands the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament.
Reports indicate that the International Cricket Council (ICC) is unlikely to concede to the PCB’s demands, firming up their position on the unfolding dispute.
The root of the controversy stems from the post-match proceedings, during which India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, and his squad reportedly declined to shake hands with the Pakistani players. Adding to the tension, the Indian team is said to have closed their dressing room door, preventing the traditional exchange of greetings between the two sides.
Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, and coach Mike Hesson openly expressed their disappointment with India’s actions. Agha notably boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony, opting not to interact with former Indian cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar.
Asia Cup Super 4s Qualification Scenarios
The PCB’s threat to boycott their match against the UAE carries severe implications. Should Pakistan go through with their withdrawal, they would face automatic elimination from the Asia Cup tournament.
Such a boycott would leave Pakistan with a mere 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 more points, ensuring their progression.
India has, in fact, already secured its place in the next stage of the competition. Their qualification 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, while Pakistan sits second with two points. The UAE, also with two points after their recent win, lags behind Pakistan due to a significantly inferior net run rate.
Pakistan currently sit second in Group A standings in the 2025 Asia Cup.
However, if Pakistan boycotts their upcoming fixture, the UAE would be granted a walkover, boosting their points to four and securing their spot alongside India in the Super 4s. Oman has already been eliminated from the tournament.
Therefore, this situation would guarantee both India and the UAE’s advancement to the Super 4s stage, with India having already accumulated four points from their victories over both the UAE and Pakistan.
India have already qualified for the Asia Cup Super 4s stage with two wins in two matches.
Conversely, if Pakistan decides to proceed with their match against the UAE, that game would become a do-or-die contest, with the winner advancing to the next round of the tournament.
The ultimate outcome of this unfolding drama now hinges on the ICC’s response to Pakistan’s demand regarding match referee Andy Pycroft, who remains slated to officiate Pakistan’s crucial encounter against the UAE.