Asia Cup: Pakistan cancel press conference ahead of UAE clash after boycott threat

Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial Group A clash against the UAE, following threats to withdraw from the Asia Cup over match referee Andy Pycroft’s involvement in handshake controversy. The team’s action has raised speculation about a possible protest or tournament withdrawal.

The players were scheduled to speak to the media, but the briefing was called off without reason. However, reports indicate that they will still train for their important match against the UAE.

This follows the ICC’s rejection of the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Pycroft after the “no handshake” incident during Pakistan’s match against India. The PCB claimed Pycroft instructed Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with India’s Suryakumar Yadav during the toss.

Pakistan’s team manager, Naved Cheema, also filed a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), alleging that Pycroft stopped the exchange of team sheets. After India’s victory, Suryakumar and his team refused to shake hands with Pakistan as a sign of respect for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Pycroft, one of the most experienced referees in the ICC Elite Panel, has officiated in 695 international matches across both men’s and women’s formats. Sources suggest that the controversy was aggravated by PCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, Usman Walha, who allegedly failed to brief Pakistan’s captain on the tournament rules, leaving Agha unprepared. As a result, PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, also the ACC chairman, reportedly dismissed Walha on Monday.

The PCB initially called for Pycroft’s removal, but with the ICC rejecting this request, the board is now exploring alternative options. One possible solution under consideration is appointing Richie Richardson as the match referee for Pakistan’s game against the UAE.

The situation has escalated into a wider diplomatic and cricketing dispute. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended his team’s decision not to shake hands, stating it was an act of solidarity with the families affected by the Pahalgam attack, where 26 people were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

The PCB has submitted official complaints to both the ACC and ICC, asking for their involvement. Naqvi has confirmed that Pycroft allegedly advised Pakistan’s captain to avoid shaking hands and prevented the normal exchange of team sheets.”The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding the Match Referee’s violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws concerning the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has called for the immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” he stated on ‘X’.

Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema reiterated that Pycroft’s actions disrupted the standard protocols, which only deepened tensions before the team’s upcoming matches. The PCB continues to explore possible solutions, including the option of a substitute referee, but no final decision has been made.