Asia Cup Standoff: Pakistan Backs Off Withdrawal Threat Despite Handshake Row
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly backed down from its threat to pull out of the Asia Cup 2025, defusing a potential crisis that threatened to derail the tournament. The decision comes despite escalating tensions with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over a formal complaint demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft following the controversial India-Pakistan match on Sunday.
While PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi had taken a hardline stance, lodging a formal complaint and demanding Pycroft’s ouster, reports now indicate that Pakistan will continue its campaign irrespective of the ICC’s ruling. The development averts an unceremonious exit for the team, which faces a crucial do-or-die match against the UAE on Wednesday.
The diplomatic firestorm was ignited during the high-voltage clash in Dubai. The PCB alleged that Pycroft, an ICC-appointed official, instructed both captains—Pakistan’s Salman Agha and India’s Suryakumar Yadav—not to shake hands during the toss, breaking a long-standing cricketing tradition.
The situation worsened after the match, which India won comfortably. The Indian players, led by Suryakumar, did not engage in the customary post-match handshakes, a move the Indian captain later said was aligned with guidance from the BCCI and the Indian government. This snub reportedly left the Pakistan camp infuriated, with head coach Mike Hesson calling it “disappointing” and captain Salman Agha skipping the post-match presentation in protest.
In response, the PCB launched a blistering attack, with Chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly announcing a formal complaint to the ICC. “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee… The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi posted on X, accusing Pycroft of breaching the Spirit of Cricket. The complaint was reportedly followed by unofficial threats of a complete tournament boycott if the demand was not met.
Despite the aggressive posture, reports from ESPNcricinfo on Tuesday suggested a significant de-escalation. The outlet reported that the PCB has not, in fact, taken a formal stance to withdraw and will continue to participate in the tournament, even if their demand to remove Pycroft is rejected by the ICC—a likely outcome, according to sources.
This apparent U-turn suggests a realization within the PCB that a boycott would be self-defeating. Withdrawing from the tournament would not only result in automatic elimination but also carry significant financial and reputational repercussions. The move is now being seen as a face-saving measure after an initial, emotionally charged reaction.
The immediate crisis of a boycott appears to have been averted, but the incident has left a bitter taste. Pycroft is scheduled to officiate two more group stage matches, including Pakistan’s crucial game against the UAE. The ICC is reviewing the complaint but has yet to issue an official statement on his continued involvement.
For Pakistan, the focus must now shift back to the field. Their match against the UAE on Wednesday is a virtual knockout. A win will secure their spot in the Super Four stage, where another high-stakes encounter with India could be on the cards on September 21. While the players prepare for that battle, the off-field tensions between the boards have cast a familiar shadow over the spirit of the game.
