Big drama erupted in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as Pakistan announced a shocking boycott ahead of their crucial Group A match against the UAE. Pakistan is scheduled to take on the UAE in their final group match on September 17 in Dubai.
But it seems that the Men in Green are not ready to play anymore in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 after the International Cricket Council (ICC) refused to remove the match referee, Andy Pycroft, over the handshake controversy, which erupted during India’s seven-wicket victory in Dubai.
Pakistan calls off pre-match press conference
According to Pakistani media, the Pakistan cricket team has called off their pre-match press conference in Dubai on Tuesday, September 16.
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It is being said that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering pulling out of the Asia Cup 2025 after ICC rejected their demand to remove Pycroft. This call left the PCB and players frustrated.
However, the players continue their practice sessions in Dubai, but their Group A match against the UAE is under serious threat. It is being said that the PCB will announce a final decision on whether the team will boycott the tournament soon.
PCB furious after ICC rejects their demand to remove Andy Pycroft
Pakistan’s sudden cancellation of their pre-match press conference comes in the wake of escalating tensions following their controversial defeat to India in the earlier group-stage clash. The team and officials are reportedly furious over the handling of the high-profile game in Dubai.
The ongoing disputes regarding the match referee, Andy Pycroft, and the infamous handshake controversy have created an environment of distrust and frustration within the Pakistan camp. And then ICC’s cold stance on the PCB demand left only the chance to boycott the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
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Notably, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation after Indian players refused to shake hands with his team after their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai on September 14.
Pakistan’s boycott could hand the UAE a direct spot in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four!
However, if Pakistan boycotts the UAE match, it will put their Super Four chances in jeopardy. This will offer the UAE two points, and they would qualify for the Super Four round even without any fight. The UAE recently crushed Oman in their group match to keep them alive in the event.
Both Pakistan and the UAE have two points each, so their final group match will be crucial for both teams. A win will give the Men in Green a spot in the Super Four stage, but if they boycott the match, the UAE will directly qualify for the next round, joining India in the next round of the 2025 Asia Cup.
Notably, Sri Lanka from Group B and India from Group A have already qualified for the Super Fours. Now, the UAE, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan are in the race for the last two spots, with Oman and Hong Kong, China, eliminated from the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
