PCB's dirty 'political message' plan exposed as India firmly stick to no-handshake call vs Pakistan

India and Pakistan will meet again in the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday, September 21, at the Dubai International Stadium. The Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team is set to continue with their no-handshake policy with the Pakistan team, despite tensions simmering over the last week.

India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets in Dubai on September 14. The Men in Blue chased down the 128-run target with 25 balls and seven wickets in hand. Suryakumar and his team refused to shake hands with any Pakistan players after the match. Notably, Suryakumar also avoided the handshake at the toss.

Pakistan Planning a Political Message if They Defeat India in the Upcoming Super Four Clash

Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which had backing from Pakistan-based groups. The gesture sparked controversy, with the PCB threatening to withdraw from the Asia Cup after the ICC declined to remove match referee Andy Pycroft.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

According to a report by RevSportz, "Pakistan are planning a political message" if they defeat India in the upcoming Super Four clash. The PCB chief Naqvi unexpectedly visited the Pakistan team during a training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai.

During his visit, Naqvi held a detailed discussion with coach Mike Hesson. He appeared animated during the discussion before summoning Captain Salman Ali Agha.

"Naqvi later had an in-depth discussion with coach Mike Hesson, and was visibly animated, emphasising key points with expressive gestures before summoning Agha, the captain, to explain a few points. Speculation is rife that Pakistan are planning a political message in case they win their match against India on Sunday," the report read.

Mohsin Naqvi to Meet ICC Officials Over PMOA Breaches and Misconduct

During warmups, some players were heard chanting “6-0,” a propaganda claim about six Indian Air Force planes being shot down during Operation Sindoor in May. The chant appeared to energize the team as they played foot-volley ahead of their Super Four clash.

Naqvi is expected to meet with ICC officials regarding the governing body’s stern communication to the PCB. The ICC objected to the Pakistan Cricket Board recording their discussion with match referee Andy Pycroft in the referee’s room before the UAE game

"Naqvi is also set to meet a few ICC officials with regard to the global body’s stern email, citing PMOA (Players and Match Officials Area) breaches and misconduct before Pakistan’s match against the UAE," the report added.

Dr Raheel Ahmed Brought in to Support Players Ahead of Super Four Clash

The PCB stated that Pycroft had apologized to captain Salman Ali Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema by sharing a muted video on social media.

Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference for the second consecutive time during the Asia Cup. India had defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. However, Pakistan advanced to the Super Four stage by defeating the UAE in their next match.

The PCB brought in psychiatrist and motivational speaker Dr Raheel Ahmed ahead of their Super Four clash. He joined the camp after Pakistan’s Group A matches and has been conducting one-on-one sessions with younger squad members, helping them manage the psychological pressure.

Also read: Ravichandran Ashwin's BRAHMOS hits Mohammad Yousuf in the face after Suryakumar Yadav controversy