IND vs PAK drama! Pakistan cancel press conference; Mohsin Naqvi's three-word reply sparks buzz

Amidst handshake controversy and tensions with the ICC match referee, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited Pakistan's training session before their Asia Cup Super Fours clash against India. Naqvi engaged in an intense discussion with coach Mike Hesson, following the cancellation of Pakistan's pre-match press conference. The visit occurs after Pakistan sought the removal of Andy Pycroft over a handshake dispute.

PCB chairman Naqvi visits Pakistan training session, talks in length with coach Hesson ahead of India clash (Image credit: ANI)

NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing handshake controversy and tensions with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi paid a surprise visit to Pakistan’s training session ahead of their highly anticipated Super Fours clash against India at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday. He met with the players and held an extended discussion with white-ball head coach Mike Hesson. Naqvi, who also chairs the Asian Cricket Council, arrived at the ICC Academy on Saturday evening, spoke briefly with the players, and then engaged in an intense conversation with Hesson. Sources said Naqvi appeared animated throughout, emphasising key points with gestures.

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The visit comes after Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Fours fixture, repeating a move first seen before their must-win game against the UAE. The team had been scheduled for a 6 pm press briefing on Saturday, but the reasons behind the cancellation remain unclear. When asked, Naqvi smiled and simply said, “We’ll talk soon.” The controversy centers on Andy Pycroft, who was at the heart of the handshake dispute during India and Pakistan’s group-stage match on September 14. Pakistan had sought Pycroft’s immediate removal after their 7-wicket defeat to India, alleging he had instructed captains Salman Ali Agha and Suryakumar Yadav not to shake hands at the toss. The ICC did not accede to Pakistan’s demand, and the situation spilled over into their game against the UAE. Pakistan arrived late for that match, delaying the start by an hour, and a meeting between the team management and Pycroft before the toss sparked further criticism after a muted video was shared on social media. It is against this tension-filled backdrop that the two arch-rivals will meet again at the Dubai International Stadium.Pakistan squad for Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Waseem Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Afridi, Sufyan Moqim.India squad for Asia Cup: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Jitesh Sharma, Axar Patel, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakaravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Sanju Samson, Harshit Rana, Rinku Singh.

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