The ongoing Asia Cup 2025 in the UAE has turned into a full-blown crisis after the handshake controversy in the India versus Pakistan match on September 14. The tension between India and Pakistan has now escalated into a potential tournament crisis.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now threatening to pull out of their next Group A game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) unless the International Cricket Council (ICC) removes match referee Andy Pycroft from officiating the tournament.
PCB warns of walkout over handshake controversy
This is a direct reaction from the PCB to the handshake controversy that unfolded during and after the India versus Pakistan match in Dubai. The controversy began when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Agha at the toss.
Your daily dose of cricket!
Read Also: “Handshake Controversy Was Pre-Planned By India”- New Series Of Accusations Arise From Pakistan
They ignored cricket’s long-standing traditions of sportsmanship even after India’s seven-wicket win, as Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube again snubbed the customary handshake by walking straight into the dressing room without greeting their opponents.
Even a member of India’s support staff shut the door to prevent any interaction with Pakistani players in the dressing room. This deliberate act left the Pakistani camp stunned and furious. Later, Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson skipped interactions with former Indian players and the media in the post-match presentation.
Pakistan ready to quit Asia Cup 2025 over Andy Pycroft
Adding fuel to the fire, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to India’s armed forces and justified no handshakes by claiming that some matters go beyond the “sportsman spirit.” After which, the PCB raised formal complaints with the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), accusing referee Andy Pycroft of failing to enforce the Spirit of Cricket and the ICC’s Code of Conduct.
Well, Andy Pycroft is scheduled to officiate Pakistan’s next Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE on Wednesday, September 17. However, the PCB doesn’t want the Zimbabwean to officiate their game, and if the ICC refuses to remove him, they will withdraw from the match with the UAE.
Pakistan faces Asia Cup 2025 elimination if they boycott the UAE match
However, should Pakistan boycott the UAE match, they will suffer serious consequences in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. The game would be considered a walkover, which would hand the UAE an automatic win and two points, offering them a Super Four qualification.
Read Also: Pakistan Takes A U-Turn; UAE Match Boycott Cancelled
Currently, the Men in Green have only two points from their win against Oman. They have already lost their second game, and their final Group A match is scheduled against the UAE. So, if they want to make it to the Super Four round, they must play the UAE and beat them.
If they boycott the game due to Andy Pycroft, Pakistan would end up with two points, which would not be enough to make it to the Super Four round of the tournament. Both India and the UAE would surpass the Men in Green in the Group A points table, eliminating Pakistan from the tournament.
India confirmed a place in the Super Four round
Notably, India already qualified for the Super Four round after winning their first two games against the UAE and Pakistan. The UAE is standing in the second spot with two points, and a walkover by Pakistan would boost them to four points and allow them to make it to the next round.
If the Men in Green decide to play, the Asia Cup 2025 will end for the loser. Now, it will be interesting to see what the PCB will decide.
