Asia Cup 2025 / Pakistan will not play matches against UAE, decided to withdraw from Asia Cup

Asia Cup 2025: In an unprecedented development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has decided to boycott the crucial Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The match was scheduled to be played on September 17, 2025, in Dubai at 8 p.m., but the PCB refused to field its team. Consequently, Pakistan announced its withdrawal from the entire tournament, paving the way for the UAE to qualify for the Super Four. The reason behind this decision stems from the controversy that erupted during the India-Pakistan match and the ongoing standoff with the ICC.

The Origin of the Controversy: The India-Pakistan Match and No Handshake

The controversy stems from the India-Pakistan match played on September 14, 2025. India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and other players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players, as is customary. Suryakumar Yadav also refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha during the toss. The Indian players went straight to the dressing room after the victory, while the Pakistani team waited on the field. A video of this incident went viral on social media, and Pakistani media and fans saw it as an insult.

The PCB accused ICC match referee Andy Pycroft of advising the two captains not to shake hands during the toss. The PCB, calling this against the spirit of the game, demanded Pycroft's removal from the Asia Cup.

PCB's Demand and ICC's Stance

The PCB sent several emails to the ICC reiterating its demand and threatening to boycott the match against the UAE and the entire tournament if its complaint was not addressed. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, an emergency meeting of the PCB was held in Dubai, where the Emirates Cricket Board attempted to mediate. Initial reports stated that a middle ground had been reached, and that Richie Richardson would be appointed as the referee in Pycroft's place. But on Wednesday, the PCB once again sent an email to the ICC reiterating its demand, which was again rejected by the ICC.

The ICC clarified that Pycroft would remain the referee for the match against the UAE. In response, the PCB instructed its team to stay at the hotel and decided not to participate in the match.

Announcement of Boycott and Its Consequences

On September 17, 2025, Geo News confirmed that Pakistan had boycotted not only the match against the UAE, but the entire Asia Cup 2025. As a result of this decision, the UAE received a full two points from this Group A knockout match, securing their place in the Super Four. Meanwhile, Pakistan was eliminated from the tournament.

PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi decided to call an emergency press conference at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on the matter, with former PCB chairmen Rameez Raja and Najam Sethi also requested to attend.

The Impact and Future of the Controversy

Pakistan's decision has created a stir in the cricket world. This isn't the first time tensions have arisen between the PCB and the ICC, but such a boycott in the middle of a tournament is a rare occurrence in cricket history. This controversy has reignited the tensions surrounding sportsmanship, refereeing impartiality, and the existing tensions between India and Pakistan cricket.

The UAE's entry into the Super Four has changed the tournament's dynamics, and all eyes are on whether the PCB will reconsider its decision or deepen its conflict with the ICC. Furthermore, the revelations made in Mohsin Naqvi's press conference will be important for cricket fans.