Asia Cup: After boycott threat, sulking Pakistan cancel pre-match presser ahead of UAE clash

After threatening to pull out of the ongoing Asia Cup over match referee Andy Pycroft's presence, Pakistan have cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial Group A clash against the UAE. The move has sparked speculation over a potential protest or even withdrawal from the tournament.

The players were scheduled to speak to the media tonight, but the briefing was abruptly called off without explanation. Multiple reports indicate that the team is still expected to train, with their do-or-die group clash against the United Arab Emirates set for tomorrow.

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Pakistan's latest actions come after the International Cricket Council (ICC) formally rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) demand on Tuesday to remove Andy Pycroft from the panel of match officials. The dispute stems from the "no handshake" incident during Pakistan's match against India, which the PCB has attributed to Pycroft.

The PCB filed a complaint alleging that Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India's Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. The 69-year-old Zimbabwean is scheduled to officiate Pakistan's final group stage game against the UAE on Wednesday.

Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema also lodged a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), claiming that Pycroft's instructions prevented the exchange of team sheets between the two captains. Following India's seven-wicket victory, Suryakumar and his men refrained from shaking hands with Pakistan as a mark of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pycroft is one of the most experienced referees in the ICC Elite Panel, having officiated 695 international matches across men's and women's formats. Sources indicate the controversy was worsened by PCB's Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Walha, who reportedly failed to brief Pakistan’s captain on tournament rules, leaving Agha unprepared. PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as ACC chairman, is said to have sacked Walha on Monday over the embarrassment caused to the team.

While the PCB initially demanded Pycroft's removal, the ICC’s rejection has left the board exploring alternative solutions. One proposal reportedly under consideration is having Richie Richardson stand in as match referee for Pakistan's clash with the UAE, although its feasibility remains uncertain.

The incident has since escalated into a broader diplomatic and cricketing row. India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended his team's decision not to shake hands, citing solidarity with the families affected by the Pahalgam attack, in which 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The PCB has lodged formal complaints with both the ACC and ICC, seeking intervention. Naqvi confirmed that Pycroft had allegedly instructed Pakistan's captain not to shake hands and had blocked the routine exchange of team sheets. “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 the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” he said on 'X'.

Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema reiterated that Pycroft’s actions disrupted standard protocol, deepening tensions ahead of the team’s remaining matches. The board continues to explore solutions, including the possibility of a stand-in referee, although no final decision has been announced.

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