IND vs PAK: Pakistan will decide today on withdrawing from Asia Cup- match with UAE at night

Asia Cup 2025: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will make a final decision today regarding its participation in the Asia Cup cricket tournament. In a statement issued late Tuesday night, the PCB said that the matter is under intense deliberation and a final decision will be made in the best interests of Pakistan cricket. This decision comes at a time when Pakistan is scheduled to face the UAE in Dubai today. The match referee for this match, Andy Pycroft, is embroiled in controversy.

Pycroft Controversy and PCB Demand

The Pakistan Cricket Board had requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the tournament. This demand arose following the controversy that erupted after the match against India on September 14, when Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players in protest of the Pahalgam attack. The PCB termed this as against the spirit of the game and accused Pycroft of not acting impartially.

The PCB claims that Pycroft asked the two captains not to shake hands after the toss, a decision made under pressure from the Indian team. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi said, "We have demanded the immediate removal of Pycroft from the ICC. He did not adhere to the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket." However, the ICC rejected this demand, leading to some media reports claiming that if Pycroft is not removed, Pakistan could withdraw from the tournament.

Pycroft may be rested from the UAE match

According to sources connected to the Asia Cup, Andy Pycroft may be removed from his role as referee for the match between Pakistan and the UAE to be held today at the Dubai International Stadium. However, the PCB's demand to remove him from the entire tournament appears unlikely to be met. A PCB source said, "Pakistan will participate in the tournament, but Pycroft will not be the referee for the match against the UAE." It is not yet clear whether Pycroft will continue to referee the remaining matches. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not issued an official statement on this matter.

Reason for the Handshake Controversy

After the match between India and Pakistan on September 14, Indian players did not shake hands with Pakistani players. Even during the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha. The PCB lodged a complaint with Pycroft regarding this behavior, but when the referee took no action, the PCB demanded his dismissal from the ICC.

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said on the handshake controversy, "Some things transcend sportsmanship. This decision was taken with the consent of the BCCI and the Indian government. Our team stands with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and this victory is dedicated to the Indian armed forces."

Reference to the Pahalgam Attack

On April 22, 26 Indians were killed in Pahalgam, Kashmir, by pro-Pakistan terrorists after being asked about their religion. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, destroying terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and also destroying nine Pakistani airbases. This incident further escalated tensions between the two countries, which also resonated on the cricket field.

What is the handshake rule?

No cricket rules mandate that players shake hands after a match. Handshakes are considered part of the spirit of the game, and teams meet and shake hands after almost every match. However, a BCCI official said, "There is no provision in the rules that requires shaking hands with the opposing team. India is not obligated to shake hands with a country with which relations are so strained."

Pakistan's press conference cancelled, players return to practice

On Tuesday night, the Pakistan team management cancelled its pre-match press conference, further fueling speculation of a tournament withdrawal. However, the Pakistani players subsequently took to the field for practice, indicating they were ready for the match against the UAE.

Pakistan's decision will not only determine the course of the tournament but could further highlight tensions between India and Pakistan within the cricketing world. All eyes are on the PCB's final decision today and the match in Dubai.