In a surprising development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is giving serious consideration to withdrawing from their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage game against the UAE. The contest, planned for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (September 17), is now in jeopardy.
Pakistan’s unexpected withdrawal consideration in Asia Cup 2025
According to sources, the players have received instructions to wait at their accommodation until the administration delivers a definitive instruction. The situation arose after the International Cricket Council (ICC) turned down Pakistan’s petition to replace match official Andy Pycroft. The PCB had previously lodged objections stemming from the controversial ‘handshake disagreement’ during the India-Pakistan game. Before the crucial match, the team’s leadership purportedly communicated the potential withdrawal to the group. Equipment was prepared for transport, but the players were told to remain where they were. A formal announcement in Lahore later today is anticipated to clarify the PCB’s conclusive stance on the matter.
“The team has been told not to proceed to the venue at this time. All equipment has been loaded onto the transport, but the team has been directed to remain where they are. The disagreement between the PCB and the ICC continues,” a source mentioned, according to reports.
The timing of this potential withdrawal is particularly difficult for Pakistan. Under the leadership of Salman Agha, the squad is facing significant challenges after a decisive seven-wicket loss to India in their prior match. Their final group match against the UAE was essential for their progress, with advancement to the Super 4s reliant on securing a win. Now, with the management instructing players to stay in their accommodation, their journey is threatened with a sudden end.
Disagreement over handshakes involving Andy Pycroft and the stalemate between ICC and PCB
The foundation of this disagreement stems from the repercussions of Sunday’s high-profile India-Pakistan encounter. Following India’s dominant victory, captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the triumph to the Indian Armed Forces and acknowledged the victims of the Pahalgam incident. Further complicating matters, Suryakumar’s team reportedly opted against engaging in post-match handshakes with their Pakistan counterparts, triggering objections from the PCB. Subsequently, the board submitted an official complaint to the ICC, holding match referee Pycroft responsible for not addressing what they viewed as inappropriate behavior.
However, the ICC dismissed the complaint, asserting that Pycroft had not violated any guidelines. Undeterred, the PCB presented a subsequent request for Pycroft’s dismissal, which was once again declined. According to sources, this exchange left the PCB discontented, leading them to threaten withdrawal from the competition. Officials believe that officiating under Pycroft would compromise fairness, while the ICC maintains that the official acted within his designated role. The unresolved situation has now reached a critical juncture, with Pakistan suggesting they might sacrifice their competitive position to support their objection. This firm stance not only exacerbates tensions with the ICC but also raises questions about the competition’s fairness.
