Dubai, September 16, 2025: Pakistan cancelled their scheduled pre-match press conference on Tuesday, fueling speculation over a possible boycott of the Asia Cup following a row with India.
Babar Agha’s side is set to play their final Group A match against hosts UAE in Dubai on Wednesday. However, uncertainty looms after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft, demanding his removal over a “handshake snub” incident in Sunday’s India-Pakistan clash.
India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, but the match ended in controversy as neither captains shook hands at the toss, nor did the Indian players exchange customary post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. The PCB said Pycroft failed to enforce the ICC’s code of conduct and accused him of undermining the “spirit of cricket.”
According to Indian media reports, the ICC has rejected Pakistan’s demand. While the PCB has yet to issue an official statement, local media have reported that Pakistan may boycott their fixture against the UAE if Pycroft continues in his role.
Adding to tensions, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s win to victims of the April 22 terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir — an attack India blamed on Pakistan-based groups, a charge Islamabad strongly denies. The assault triggered a four-day military confrontation between the nuclear-armed neighbours in May before a U.S.-brokered ceasefire took hold.
The Asia Cup itself was briefly in doubt after the conflict, but India — as official hosts — confirmed last month that the tournament would proceed in the UAE. The decision drew heavy criticism in India, with calls for a boycott of matches against Pakistan.
Now, with Pakistan threatening to withdraw, the Asian Cricket Council faces a fresh crisis. Should they forfeit Wednesday’s fixture, UAE would automatically progress to the Super Four stage, while Pakistan — former world champions — would exit the tournament.
