The controversy around Pakistan's participation after the handshake saga in their match against India in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 has now seen the Men in Green, on Tuesday, September 16, cancelling their scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of their do-or-die clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The match, set to be played on Wednesday, September 17, will decide where Pakistan will be placed in the Super 4 stage if they win.
The latest move from the Salman Agha-led side came after the team threatened to withdraw from the Continental Cup tournament if match referee Andy Pycroft was not removed. Notably, Pakistan demanded the ouster of the Zimbabwe-born official, accusing him of failing to act on their official complaint against India following the players' decision to skip the customary handshake after Suryakumar hit the winning runs in Dubai on September 14.
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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), confirmed that Pakistan has officially raised the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC). They accused the match referee of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct, ignoring the laws of the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) relating to the spirit of cricket. However, the ICC rejected Pakistan's demand on Tuesday, September 14.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cry foul, lodges protest against India in Dubai
What is the handshake controversy?
The controversy erupted after Suryakumar-led India refused to shake hands with Pakistani players as a symbolic protest following the Pahalgam terror attack in April this year. Surya also avoided shaking hands with Salman Agha during the toss. Pakistan alleged Pycroft instructed both leaders to refrain from greeting each other, preventing the exchange of team sheets between Surya and Agha.
While the Men in Green protested, Surya dedicated India's massive seven-wicket win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and to the Indian armed forces, expressing solidarity with the families affected. If the Agha-led side fails to take the field against the UAE on Wednesday, then they will be eliminated from the Continental Cup. Pakistan currently has two points from one win and a loss, and they must beat the UAE to advance to the Super 4 stage.
Also Read:“Handshake a Convention, Not a Rule”: BCCI Hits Back at PCB
