Pakistan has once again stirred controversy by canceling its pre-match press conference ahead of their high-stakes Asia Cup Super Four encounter against India in Dubai. This marks the second consecutive time the team has opted out of media duties, escalating tensions already simmering from a prior dispute involving match referee Andy Pycroft regarding a handshake incident. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Pycroft was reportedly rejected, setting the stage for potential disciplinary action from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The recent cancellation, scheduled for Sunday evening, precedes their Super Fours clash with India. Curiously, the team still plans to proceed with a three-hour training session at the ICC Academy. The exact reasons for this latest media blackout remain undisclosed, but it mirrors a similar decision made before their recent match against the UAE. That earlier cancellation also occurred amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding match referee Andy Pycroft.
The heart of the dispute traces back to the India-Pakistan match on September 14, where Andy Pycroft, now appointed as the referee for the upcoming Super Four fixture, was reportedly involved in a contentious handshake incident. The Pakistan Cricket Board had formally requested Pycroft’s removal following their decisive seven-wicket loss to India, alleging that he instructed captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to forgo handshakes during the group stage match’s toss. An image accompanying this report captures the palpable tension, showing Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha walking past India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav.
This request, however, was rejected by the ICC, further inflaming the situation. The previous instance saw the Pakistan team arriving late at the Dubai International Stadium for their UAE match, causing an hour-long delay, as PCB officials engaged in discussions with the ICC while players remained at their hotel. Adding another layer of complexity, a muted video of the Pakistan team management’s meeting with Pycroft before the UAE match toss was shared by the PCB on social media, drawing widespread criticism. Sources suggest that these repeated actions have prompted the ICC to consider imposing sanctions on Pakistan.
As these cricketing giants prepare to clash once more at the same venue, the off-field drama has undoubtedly created a highly charged and tense atmosphere, overshadowing the anticipation of the game itself.