Pakistan has decided to boycott its final group-stage encounter against the United Arab Emirates in the Asia Cup 2025, following the fallout from the recent “handshake controversy” involving match referee Andy Pycroft, according to reports from Geo News.
Geo News has reported that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has instructed the national team to remain at their hotel and not travel to the stadium. Players have been advised to stay in their rooms, and their kits and luggage reportedly remain on the team bus. An urgent press conference is expected shortly to address the situation.
The match, which was scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM IST (6:00 PM local time), now hangs in uncertainty. While the UAE team has already departed for the stadium, Pakistan’s no-show appears to confirm a last-minute withdrawal.
The decision follows the PCB’s failed attempt to have Pycroft removed from officiating duties for the fixture. Despite Pakistan’s formal request, the International Cricket Council (ICC) declined to replace the veteran referee, standing firmly by its original appointment.
The controversy stems from the previous match between Pakistan and India, where tensions flared at the end of play. Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha declined to attend the post-match presentation ceremony.
According to the PCB, match referee Andy Pycroft contributed to the diplomatic tension by advising Salman not to shake hands with the Indian captain and by preventing the customary exchange of team sheets before the match – a move the PCB deemed irregular and biased.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav defended his team’s conduct, stating that the decision to forgo handshakes was made in solidarity with victims of the recent terror attack in Pahalgam – attributed by Indian authorities to Pakistan-based militants – and in support of the Indian Armed Forces’ subsequent Operation Sindoor.
In response, the PCB labelled the Indian players’ behaviour as “unsporting” and accused Pycroft of partisanship. This led to Pakistan threatening to pull out of their final group match unless Pycroft was replaced – a demand the ICC ultimately rejected.
The boycott could have significant ramifications. Pakistan risk losing up to USD 16 million in revenue and may face disciplinary action. The move also raises serious questions regarding the optics of the PCB’s decision-making, particularly as the board is currently chaired by Mohsin Naqvi – who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council.
In a letter addressed to the ICC, the PCB stated:
“The match referee failed to discharge his responsibility: to ensure that respect was extended and maintained amongst the captains as well as between the two competing sides; and to create a positive atmosphere by his conduct and encourage the captains and participating teams to do likewise.”