The Asia Cup 2025 has been full of drama both on and off the field, but the latest twist nearly resulted in Pakistan pulling out of the tournament. After days of tension, backchannel talks, and official letters exchanged between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), Pakistan finally agreed to take the field. Here’s how the standoff unfolded and what led to the breakthrough.
The Spark: Handshake Controversy in Pakistan vs India Match
The issue began during the high-voltage Pakistan vs India clash in the UAE. After India’s win, Indian players walked off the field without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This unsportsmanlike behavior, combined with the response of match referee Andy Pycroft, left the PCB furious.
According to reports, PCB officials believed Pycroft displayed clear bias against Pakistan in how he handled the matter. The board immediately raised concerns, demanding Pycroft’s removal from the tournament.
PCB’s Strong Stand: Threat to Withdraw from Asia Cup
The situation escalated quickly. PCB wrote multiple letters to the ICC, formally asking for Pycroft to be replaced. The board even went as far as threatening to withdraw from the Asia Cup if their demand was ignored.
For three days, the issue remained unresolved, putting the entire tournament under a cloud. Ahead of Pakistan’s crucial fixture against the UAE, the PCB took a drastic step by instructing its players not to leave the hotel for the match, fueling doubts over whether the game would go ahead at all.
Stalemate and Last-Minute Talks
An official meeting between ICC and PCB representatives was held on matchday but ended without agreement. By then, the game looked all but canceled. However, behind the scenes, urgent backchannel efforts were underway to prevent a major crisis.
Sources confirmed that several emails were exchanged between ICC and PCB officials throughout the day. These communications paved the way for direct talks between Pycroft and the Pakistan camp, including captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and team manager Naved Cheema.
Pycroft’s Apology and Pakistan’s Change of Heart
During the face-to-face meeting, Pycroft apologized to the Pakistani side for how the India match incident was handled. He clarified that the situation had arisen due to “a lack of communication” and was not intentional.
This admission played a key role in softening the PCB’s stance. Although initially insistent on Pycroft’s removal, the board accepted his explanation, given the lack of an immediate replacement, since Richie Richardson was unavailable.
The Outcome: Match Played with Delay
Following the reconciliation, PCB allowed its players to proceed to the stadium. However, the start of the Pakistan vs UAE game was delayed by an hour. Despite the disruption, the game was eventually played as scheduled.
Furthermore, sources suggest that Pycroft will continue officiating in the tournament, including the upcoming Super Four stage, signaling that the controversy has been put to rest for now.
What This Means Going Forward
This incident highlights the fragile relationship between PCB and ICC, as well as the political weight behind Indo-Pak matches. While the immediate crisis has been resolved, the episode shows how quickly disputes can escalate at major tournaments.
The handshake controversy may be behind us, but questions remain: How will the ICC ensure neutrality in future matches? And will Pakistan continue to press for greater accountability from officials?
For now, fans can breathe a sigh of relief-the Asia Cup continues, and Pakistan remains in the hunt.
