The Asia Cup 2025 has taken an unexpected turn off the field, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatening to boycott their upcoming group match against the United Arab Emirates if the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not take action on their complaint.
The Controversy
The issue began after Pakistan’s high-voltage clash with India. Following the toss and later at the end of the match, Indian players did not engage in the traditional handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. According to PCB, match referee Andy Pycroft played a role in this decision by advising Pakistan’s captain to avoid the handshake, something the board believes goes against the “Spirit of Cricket.”
PCB officials felt that Pycroft had acted beyond his duties and failed to handle the situation fairly. They lodged an official complaint with both the ICC and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
PCB’s Demand
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has called for the immediate removal of Andy Pycroft from the panel of referees for the rest of the tournament. The PCB board has made it clear that if this demand is ignored, Pakistan may refuse to take the field in their next match against the UAE, scheduled for September 17, 2025.
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What Happens If Pakistan Pulls Out
If Pakistan skip the UAE game, it will be treated as a walkover, giving UAE full points. Such a result could knock Pakistan out of the Asia Cup at the group stage, a major blow for the team and its fans. It would also disrupt the tournament schedule, impacting broadcasters, sponsors, and ticket holders.
Has ICC Responded?
As of now, the ICC has not accepted PCB’s demand to remove Andy Pycroft. Reports suggest the governing body believes the referee’s role in the incident was limited and does not justify suspension. While a formal statement from the ICC is still awaited, it appears unlikely that Pycroft will be replaced mid-tournament.
Why It Matters
The controversy has taken attention away from the Asia Cup matches. Handshakes, though simple, are part of cricket’s traditions, and skipping them has led to tension. If Pakistan chooses to boycott, it could disrupt the tournament’s fairness and put more pressure on cricket ties in the region.
Conclusion
With the UAE match coming up tomorrow, everyone is waiting to see how the ICC and PCB settle this issue. Finding middle ground is important, because if Pakistan pulls out, it could turn a cricket match into a political issue and leave a big impact on Asia Cup 2025.
Written by Kinjal Walantra
