Web Desk; The fallout from the Pakistan-India clash on September 14 has deepened, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) cancelling its scheduled pre-match press conference and weighing its options in the tournament.
On Tuesday, the PCB formally confirmed that consultations were underway about Pakistan’s continued involvement in the Asia Cup.
“No final decision has been made yet. The matter will be decided by tomorrow, keeping Pakistan’s interests at the forefront,” said PCB spokesperson Amir Mir. The announcement came shortly after the board cancelled the scheduled media briefing ahead of Pakistan’s match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The controversy erupted when PCB accused match referee Andy Pycroft of breaching the “Spirit of Cricket.” According to PCB officials, Pycroft allegedly instructed Pakistan’s and India’s captains not to shake hands at the toss before their high-profile encounter in Dubai.
The snub was repeated after the match, when the Indian players skipped the customary handshake and walked off to their dressing room, leaving Pakistan’s team lined up and waiting.
Team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged formal complaints with both Pycroft and tournament director Andy Russel, claiming the actions appeared to be taken on the directives of the Indian cricket board (BCCI). In response, PCB filed an official protest with the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling for Pycroft’s removal from officiating duties.
Indian media outlets, however, reported on Tuesday that the ICC had dismissed Pakistan’s complaint. The Times of India claimed the ICC had informed PCB of its decision overnight, though the PCB denied receiving any such communication. Cricbuzz quoted sources within the board saying no official reply had been received.
Meanwhile, sources familiar with the matter revealed that Pycroft was likely to be withdrawn from officiating Pakistan’s fixtures, including Wednesday’s game against the UAE. His removal would mark a significant concession to Pakistan, though no formal announcement has been made yet.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of heightened political and military tensions. This was the first cricket meeting between the two countries since May’s armed clashes, which followed India’s cross-border strike and Pakistan’s counter-offensive dubbed “Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos.” Over 70 people were killed before a fragile ceasefire was declared.
Adding fuel to the fire, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav defended his team’s refusal to shake hands, claiming it was in line with the BCCI and Indian government’s directives. He dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces, drawing sharp criticism from Pakistan’s camp, where coach Mike Hesson described the conduct as “disappointing.”
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has hinted at drastic measures if the situation remains unresolved, tweeting that “nothing is more important than the honour and prestige of my country.” With the Asia Cup’s Super 4 stage looming — including a possible Pakistan-India rematch — the next 24 hours will be decisive for both the team and the tournament.
