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    PCB Backtracks On Asia Cup 2025 Boycott Threat; Will Stay In UAE: Report

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    By News18,Siddarth Sriram

    Copyright news18

    PCB Backtracks On Asia Cup 2025 Boycott Threat; Will Stay In UAE: Report

    Yet another twist in the tale ensues as latest reports state the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has pulled back from suggestions that it might withdraw from the 2025 Asia Cup, just a day after signaling possible drastic action over the India–Pakistan handshake controversy.
    From Boycott Talk to Quiet Retreat
    On Sunday night, PCB officials hinted at a boycott and escalated their protest to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
    The board accused him of “failing to act” when Indian players skipped the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan.
    Speculation about Pakistan’s withdrawal quickly spread across social media and cricketing circles. But by Monday, ESPNCricinfo confirmed that the PCB had no formal plans to abandon the tournament, regardless of the ICC’s response to their complaint.
    The Flashpoint: India’s Silent Exit
    The controversy erupted after India’s group-stage win over Pakistan, sealed by Suryakumar Yadav’s six. Instead of staying on the field for the traditional handshake, Surya and his strike partner Shivam Dube headed straight to the dressing room.
    Adding to Pakistan’s frustration, India’s captain dedicated the victory to the country’s armed forces and referenced the Pahalgam terror attacks, further politicizing the moment in the eyes of the PCB.
    PCB’s Condemnation of India
    PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi initially took a firm line, issuing a public statement on social media:
    “The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup.”
    Hours earlier, Naqvi criticized the Indian team more broadly without naming them directly:
    “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”

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