The Asia Cup 2025 is currently underway in the United Arab Emirates, and the highly anticipated Super Four stage is set to feature another clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on September 21 in Dubai. However, off-field drama has been brewing, adding extra spice to this high-stakes encounter.
The Press Conference Snub
In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of the Super Four match against India. This decision, confirmed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), comes amidst rising tensions with match referee Andy Pycroft and the ongoing fallout from the controversial "handshake row". Sources suggest that the Pakistani players were keen to avoid questions regarding the spat involving Pycroft.
The "handshake row" began after the group-stage match between India and Pakistan on September 14, when the Indian team allegedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The PCB lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), accusing Pycroft of mishandling the situation and unfairly treating their players. They even requested his removal, but the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected this demand and reinstated Pycroft for the Super Four clash.
Adding to the drama, Pakistan arrived late for their subsequent match against the UAE, delaying the start of the game. It was reported that PCB officials held urgent discussions with the ICC, and a meeting took place between Pakistan's management and Pycroft before the toss.
Reasons for the Boycott
Several factors are believed to have contributed to Pakistan's decision to boycott the pre-match press conference:
- Dispute with Match Referee: The PCB's request for Pycroft's removal and the subsequent rejection by the ICC have heightened tensions. Pakistan accused Pycroft of violating the code of conduct.
- Handshake Controversy Fallout: The unresolved dispute over the handshake incident continues to overshadow the tournament.
- Avoiding Media Scrutiny: Pakistan may have wanted to avoid difficult questions from the media, especially after their loss against India in the group stage.
- Team Morale: Recent defeats and off-field controversies have reportedly affected the team's morale. The PCB enlisted a motivational speaker to boost the squad's confidence.
This is not the first time Pakistan has skipped media commitments, as they also cancelled a press briefing before their match against the UAE. Such repeated violations could attract sanctions from the ACC and the ICC.
India's Perspective
While Pakistan opted to cancel their press conference, India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, addressed the media after his team's win over Oman. He evaded questions about the "no handshake" row, stating that the match "will be a good contest between the ball and the bat". Indian fielding coach T. Dilip also addressed the media, striking a calm and confident tone ahead of the Super Four clash.
The Stakes
The India vs. Pakistan match in the Super Four stage is crucial, as the winner will take a step closer to the final. India defeated Pakistan in their previous encounter in the group stage. India, the defending Asia Cup champions, will start as favorites.
Match Details
The India vs Pakistan Super Four match is scheduled to start at 8:00 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) on September 21 at the Dubai International Stadium. Live streaming will be available on the SonyLIV app and website, with live telecast on Sony Sports Ten channels in India.
The Asia Cup 2025 final is scheduled for September 28.
