PCB issues official clarity on Asia Cup 2025 future
Published - 17 Sep 2025, 10:27 AM | Updated - 17 Sep 2025, 11:34 PM
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has stated that it would take a final call on Pakistan's participation in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 on Wednesday (September 17). In the wake of the handshake row during the match against India last Sunday, the PCB had threatened to pull out of the competition if match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed.
The Indian players maintained a 'no handshake' stance throughout the match due to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Suryakumar Yadav avoided Salman Ali Agha
India captain Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with his counterpart, Salman Ali Agha, at the toss. Even at the end of the match, the entire Indian team walked back to the dressing room without the customary handshake.
Following the incident, the PCB slammed Pycroft and held him responsible for the entire incident.
Pakistan board lashes out at Andy Pycroft
The board accused the former Zimbabwe cricketer of violating the code of conduct. The Pakistan Cricket Board claimed Pycroft had told Agha that there would be no handshakes at the toss.
The Pakistani board also complained to the ICC, saying that Pycroft's actions had violated the MCC's laws. The PCB also demanded Pycroft's removal from the remainder of the Asia Cup. Media reports suggested that Pakistan were considering withdrawing from the tournament if this demand was not met.
PCB issues statement
With Pakistan's participation in the remainder of the Asia Cup uncertain, the Pakistan Board issued a statement, saying that 'consultations were underway'. With Pakistan scheduled to face the UAE in a do-or-die clash on Wednesday, the board stated that a final call would be taken on the same day, keeping in mind the interest of Pakistan.
Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan also cancelled its pre-match press conference. However, the team's training session went ahead as planned. Following the loss against India, Pakistan's Asia Cup hopes are hanging by a thread. They need to win the game against the UAE to progress to the Super 4s.
India, on the other hand, booked their spot in the next round with a thumping 7-wicket win over the Men in Green. If Pakistan qualify for the Super 4s, they will be facing India at least one more time in the tournament.
Also Read: Gautam Gambhir held liable for no-handshake controversy, action demanded from India teammate
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