The cricketing world is abuzz with drama as Pakistan prepares for its crucial Asia Cup Super Fours match against arch-rivals India in Dubai. Amidst escalating tensions surrounding a controversial handshake incident and a dispute with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi made an unexpected visit to the team’s training session on Saturday evening. He engaged in an extensive and reportedly animated discussion with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson, fueling further speculation about the team’s state.
Naqvi, who also holds the chairmanship of the Asian Cricket Council, arrived at the ICC Academy, where he briefly addressed the players before entering into a lengthy and reportedly passionate dialogue with Hesson. Observers noted the PCB chief’s animated demeanor, as he emphatically conveyed his points through various gestures.
This high-profile visit follows the abrupt cancellation of Pakistan’s pre-match press conference for the Super Fours clash, a repeat of a similar incident before their decisive game against the UAE. While the reasons for scrapping the scheduled 6 PM briefing on Saturday remain undisclosed, Naqvi offered a brief, smiling, three-word reply when questioned: “We’ll talk soon.” This cryptic response has only intensified the ongoing buzz.
At the heart of this unfolding drama is ICC match referee Andy Pycroft. He was embroiled in a handshake controversy during the India-Pakistan group-stage match on September 14. Following their 7-wicket loss to India, Pakistan had formally requested Pycroft’s immediate removal, claiming he had instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands at the toss. The International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Pakistan’s appeal, leading to further friction. This unresolved issue reportedly impacted their subsequent match against the UAE, where Pakistan arrived an hour late, delaying the start. A video circulating on social media showed a seemingly tense meeting between the team management and Pycroft before that match, drawing significant public criticism.
All eyes will now turn to the Dubai International Stadium, where these two arch-rivals are set to clash once more amidst this charged atmosphere.
Pakistan’s Asia Cup Squad: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.
India’s Asia Cup Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.