The Asia Cup 2025 has been embroiled in controversy following the India-Pakistan match, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly threatening to boycott their upcoming Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This threat stems from the PCB's dissatisfaction with the alleged conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft and the Indian team's refusal to shake hands with Pakistani players after their victory.

The PCB's Grievances

The PCB has formally complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC's Spirit of Cricket guidelines. They allege that Pycroft advised Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with the Indian captain at the toss, an act the PCB deems against the spirit of cricket. Furthermore, the PCB is unhappy with the Indian team's decision to forgo handshakes with the Pakistani team after the match, a gesture that reportedly left the Pakistan team fuming. Skipper Salman Ali Agha even skipped the post-match presentation in protest.

Potential Consequences of a Boycott

If Pakistan follows through with its boycott threat, it could have significant implications for the Asia Cup 2025 Group A scenarios. Here's a breakdown of the possible outcomes:

• Pakistan's Elimination: A boycott would likely result in Pakistan being eliminated from the Super 4 stage. If Pakistan doesn't play against UAE, they will remain stranded on two points from three matches.
• UAE's Qualification: If the UAE wins their match against Oman, they would advance to the Super 4s alongside India. This is because they would then have four points from three matches.
• Net Run Rate Implications: If UAE loses to Oman, then the net run rate could come into play if Oman beat UAE and UAE beat Pakistan.

Group A Scenarios

Currently, India has secured its place in the Super 4s after winning both of their matches. Pakistan currently has two points from their two games. Here are the possible scenarios for Group A's remaining matches:

• Scenario 1: Pakistan plays and wins against UAE: Pakistan qualifies for the Super Four. India and Pakistan would then advance to the Super 4 stage.
• Scenario 2: Pakistan plays and loses to UAE: If UAE also beat Oman, UAE will finish on four points to Pakistan's two, and Pakistan will be eliminated.
• Scenario 3: Pakistan boycotts the match against UAE: Pakistan will be eliminated. If UAE beat Oman in their second game, they will end up with four points from three matches, and amidst Pakistan's boycott, will join India in the Super 4s.
• Scenario 4: Oman beat India and UAE, and Pakistan lose or face a no result against UAE: Oman will qualify ahead of Pakistan.
• Scenario 5: Pakistan lose to UAE and UAE's last match against Oman is washed out by rain: UAE will still finish on higher points than Pakistan.

The Bigger Picture

This controversy arises amidst already strained relations between India and Pakistan. The Asia Cup 2025 is being held in the UAE due to political tensions. The refusal to shake hands, the allegations against the match referee, and the potential boycott all contribute to a charged atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

Other factors in the controversy

During the national anthems before the India-Pakistan match, the stadium's loudspeakers played the song "Jalebi Baby" instead of the official anthems, creating confusion and embarrassment.

It remains to be seen whether the ICC will respond to the PCB's demands and whether Pakistan will ultimately boycott their match against the UAE. The outcome will not only affect the Asia Cup 2025 but also the already tense relationship between the two cricketing nations.