Key points
- Handshake controversy sparks major dispute
- Match referee Pycroft at centre
- $16 million loss if Pakistan withdraw
ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said no final decision has been made regarding the national team’s participation in the ongoing Asia Cup, following controversy over the handshake incident during the clash against India.
Speculation about a possible withdrawal gained momentum after Pakistan cancelled its scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of today’s key Group A fixture against the UAE. However, the PCB clarified in its statement that discussions are still underway and the team continues to prepare for its next match.
The Board released an official statement addressing the national team’s future in the ongoing Asia Cup on Wednesday.
پاکستان کرکٹ بورڈ نے ایشیا کپ کے حوالے سے ابھی تک کوئی حتمی فیصلہ نہیں کیا،
ترجمان پی سی بی عامر میراس حوالے سے مشاورت جاری ہے اور کل تک حتمی فیصلہ کر لیا جائے گا۔ ترجمان پی سی بی
فیصلہ پاکستان کے مفاد کو مدنظر رکھ کے کیا جائے گا۔ ترجمان پی سی بی
— PCB Media (@TheRealPCBMedia) September 16, 2025
The dispute centres around match referee Andy Pycroft, who oversaw the India clash. The PCB has accused the Zimbabwean official of undermining the spirit of cricket by allegedly instructing Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav, and by failing to act when Indian players refused to engage with their Pakistani counterparts post-match.
Significant financial stakes
The situation has become increasingly delicate, not only due to a potential rematch against India in the Super Four stage if Pakistan beat the UAE, but also because of significant financial stakes, withdrawal could cost the PCB up to $16 million in revenue.
Despite the uncertainty, the Pakistan team practiced on Tuesday evening, suggesting that the match against the UAE is still expected to go ahead.
A final decision is expected following a high-level meeting between PCB officials and the Pakistani government today, where the board will determine whether to continue its Asia Cup campaign or withdraw from the tournament entirely.
