By ABDULLAH 
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has found itself at the center of a storm during the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, with Pakistan’s continued participation in the tournament hanging in the balance. Following the high-voltage clash against India in Dubai, which was overshadowed by a handshake controversy, the PCB has issued an official statement confirming that no final decision has yet been made about whether the team will proceed with the competition.
Last Sunday’s match between arch-rivals Pakistan and India was already a politically charged encounter, but things escalated after the game ended. Reports emerged that match referee Andy Pycroft allegedly instructed Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Ali Agha, not to exchange handshakes with Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav. The controversy deepened when the Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after securing a seven-wicket victory.
The PCB strongly protested the incident, accusing Pycroft of undermining the spirit of cricket. The complaint, however, was reportedly dismissed by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which refused to remove Pycroft from his duties. This has added fuel to Pakistan’s frustration, with the matter now under serious review by the board and government officials.
Speculation over Pakistan’s future in the tournament intensified after the national team cancelled its scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of today’s Group A clash against the UAE. The team did, however, attend its practice session late Tuesday night, indicating that preparations for the match were underway despite the uncertainty.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) later confirmed that Pakistan had voluntarily opted out of the press interaction to avoid questions regarding the possibility of a pullout.
Pulling out of the Asia Cup is not just a cricketing decision but one with serious financial consequences. According to reports, a withdrawal could cost the PCB a staggering $16 million in lost revenue. This makes the decision all the more complex, as the board weighs national pride, international relations, and financial stability.
The PCB is also believed to be exploring a “middle ground” solution. One proposal reportedly discussed involves replacing Andy Pycroft with another referee, such as Richie Richardson, for Pakistan’s remaining matches. Whether this option is accepted remains to be seen.
For now, all eyes are on the PCB’s upcoming meeting with government officials, where a final call on Pakistan’s participation will be made. If the Green Shirts defeat UAE in their Group A clash, the likelihood of another India vs Pakistan showdown in the Super Four stage grows stronger.
The tension isn’t limited to just the Asia Cup. The controversy has once again highlighted the fragile nature of cricketing ties between Pakistan and India. For Pakistani fans, the handshake row feels like yet another instance of the sport being overshadowed by politics.
Unsurprisingly, social media in Pakistan is buzzing with strong reactions. Many fans have expressed anger at the ICC’s dismissal of PCB’s protest, accusing the global body of favoritism towards India. Others argue that pulling out of the Asia Cup would hurt Pakistan more than India, especially financially, and believe the team should “fight on the field” rather than off it.
One fan tweeted, “If ICC doesn’t care about fair play, then PCB should take a bold stand—even if it costs us. Respect matters more than money.”
Another countered, “Withdrawing from Asia Cup will only isolate Pakistan further. We need to play and win, that’s the best answer to India and ICC.”
As the PCB deliberates, cricket fans across Pakistan wait anxiously. Will the Green Shirts continue their Asia Cup journey or make the extraordinary move of pulling out? Whatever the outcome, this controversy has already ensured that the Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered as much for its off-field drama as for its on-field action.
For now, Pakistan’s match against the UAE is expected to go ahead, but whether the team continues beyond that will depend on the high-level consultations happening behind closed doors in Islama