Pakistan Wait on Islamabad After ICC Rejects Handshake Row Demand
Pakistan hinted on Tuesday they may not withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025 even after the ICC dismissed their protest regarding the handshake controversy. Still, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) remains cautious and continues to seek official clearance from Islamabad before confirming participation.
Pakistan hit the nets in Dubai
With uncertainty still surrounding the team, Pakistan’s squad turned up for training at the ICC Academy in Dubai. A PTI video showed captain Salman Ali Agha greeting UAE players leaving the field. He even shared a laugh before joining his teammates for practice. The squad looked upbeat, determined, and focused on the upcoming match.
Their session overlapped with India’s training block. Suryakumar Yadav, Gautam Gambhir, and the Indian players continued their drills at the same ground. Pakistan cricketers stayed in their own nets under coach Mike Hesson and avoided crossing towards India’s practice zone.
PCB holds cards close
The PCB has not officially confirmed its stance. “They want to keep cards close to the chest and not answer any questions about boycott,” a PCB insider told PTI.
The row began when Indian players refused handshakes after their Dubai clash. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, also head of the Asian Cricket Council, strongly criticized the move. The board accused referee Andy Pycroft of creating the mess by instructing captains to avoid handshakes at the toss. PCB called it “misconduct of the highest order” and demanded his removal from the tournament.
Despite threats of withdrawal, ICC rejected the appeal on Tuesday. The PCB now waits for Islamabad’s instructions before making a final move.
Do-or-die clash ahead
Attention now turns to Pakistan’s decisive group match against the UAE in Dubai. Both sides have one victory and one defeat so far. With India already into the Super Four, the winner of this game will join them from Group A. For Pakistan, the contest is crucial to keep their Asia Cup 2025 hopes alive. The outcome will also determine whether the off-field controversy continues to overshadow their campaign.
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