The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has called off the pre-match press conference ahead of its Asia Cup 2025 game against the United Arab Emirates, deepening the fallout from tensions that flared during the Pakistan-India match. Dawn Gulf News
The crisis stems from a formal complaint filed by the PCB against match referee Andy Pycroft, who is accused of violating Spirit of Cricket norms by allegedly instructing both captains—Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha and India’s Suryakumar Yadav—to refrain from shaking hands during the toss. Dawn
Although the PCB is still deciding whether to continue participation in the Asia Cup, the board has stated that all ongoing consultations will prioritize Pakistan’s interests. Dawn In the meantime, while media appearances are cancelled, the Pakistan team is still proceeding with its practice sessions. Dawn
Key Points:
- PCB lodged complaint with ICC over Pycroft’s conduct. Gulf News Dawn
- ICC response pending; Pycroft remains set to officiate upcoming games. Gulf News
- PCB deciding today on whether to remain in the tournament. Dawn
Read more from Dawn for full details: [Dawn – Asia Cup: Pakistan cancel pre-match press conference ahead of UAE encounter as crisis deepens] Dawn
Also see Arab News coverage: [Arab News – Pakistan cancel press conference amid India handshake row] Arab News
And Gulf News: [Gulf News – India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025: PCB fires second letter to ICC over handshake row] Gulf News
