Dubai, September 20, 2025: Pakistan’s customary pre-match press conference, scheduled at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on the eve of their high-voltage ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India, was abruptly cancelled on Saturday.
A Pakistani player or support staff member was due to address the media at 6 pm local time, but the session was called off without explanation. It is the second time during the tournament that Pakistan have skipped a scheduled pre-match media interaction.
Earlier, the team had also declined a press conference ahead of their must-win group-stage fixture against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), at a time when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was pushing for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following the controversial handshake saga.
The row began at the toss during Pakistan’s match against India, when Suryakumar Yadav did not extend the customary handshake to Salman Ali Agha. The situation was repeated after India’s victory, when Suryakumar struck the winning runs and Indian players headed directly to the dressing room without acknowledging their opponents.
The Pakistan team, waiting on the field for the post-match handshake, were left standing as the Indian players shut their dressing room door. Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, subsequently lodged a protest, criticising both India’s conduct and Pycroft’s handling of the matter.
Despite PCB’s objections, Pycroft has been reappointed as match referee for Pakistan’s upcoming matches — a development that has further deepened tensions.
