Uncertainty hangs over Pakistan-UAE clash

KARACHI:

Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup remained clouded with uncertainty on Tuesday after the team cancelled its pre-match press conference ahead of a crucial Group A clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Reports suggested the move was linked to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) ongoing protest against match referee Andy Pycroft, following the controversial “no-handshake” episode in Sunday’s match against India.

Salman Ali Agha’s side, scheduled to play their must-win fixture against the UAE on Wednesday in Dubai, did attend training later in the evening. However, the PCB has not issued any official statement confirming whether the match will go ahead.

The controversy stems from India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan before and after their seven-wicket victory on Sunday. Pakistan said that Pycroft had instructed both captains not to shake hands at the toss, in violation of the MCC’s laws and spirit of cricket.

The PCB lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup. But according to reports in Indian media, the ICC rejected the plea, confirming that the Zimbabwean official will continue to serve as referee.

The PCB lodged a formal complaint with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup. But according to reports in Indian media, the ICC rejected the plea, confirming that the Zimbabwean official will continue to serve as referee.

As per the schedule, if the Pak-UAE match goes ahead on Wednesday (today) Pycroft will supervise the game but should Pakistan boycott, the UAE will advance to the Super Four stage, sending the two-time champions home.

Tensions escalated further after Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated his team’s victory to victims of the Pahalgam attack. The match happed four months after a military confrontation between India and Pakistan.

The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) is now reviewing possible disciplinary action against Indian players for refusing the customary handshakes, with fines reportedly under consideration, according to a media report.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson called India’s conduct “against the spirit of the game,” while team manager Naveed Akram Cheema reiterated that it was the referee who had advised against handshakes at the toss. In protest, skipper Agha skipped the post-match presentation.

In Islamabad, while speaking at the launch of the publication ‘Strategic Reckoning: Perspectives on Deterrence and Escalation Post-Pahalgam – May 2025’ on Tuesday, Information Minister Attaullah Tarar criticised the Indian government for politicising cricket.

“The Modi regime was trying to politicise the sport of cricket but that was just a failed attempt in saving oneself from embarrassment,” he said. He added that such theatrics on the sports field were typical of regimes that were morally compromised.

Despite the off-field turmoil, Wednesday’s clash remains a knockout. Both Pakistan and the UAE beat Oman but lost to India, leaving their encounter a direct shootout for a Super Four spot alongside the defending champions.

Pakistan, who defeated the UAE twice in the Sharjah tri-series last month, are favoured to progress. UAE, led by Muhammad Waseem, enter the contest buoyed by their growing confidence and a powerful top order.