India vs Pakistan: Pakistan faces sanction scare after boycotting press conference
The Men in Green are acting a bit too recklessly at the Asia Cup 2025. Earlier today, former PCB chair Najam Sethi revealed the stakes of boycotting the tournament for Pakistan. Clearly, unable to bear a fine of over 100 crore, Pakistan’s warning to pull out of the Asia Cup over the handshake row proved to be a hollow threat. However, the team seems to have found other ways to protest. As the stage is set for the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash at the Asia Cup, the Men in Green boycotted the press conference ahead of the encounter.
Pakistan ignores Asia Cup rules, cancels press conference ahead of India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash
The group-stage India vs Pakistan clash, the first face-off between the arch-rivals following the Pahalgam terror attack, was eventful. The Men in Blue maintained a cold distance from their opponents while asserting their dominance with a seven-wicket victory in the lopsided fixture. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav did not oblige Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha with a handshake at the toss. The Men in Blue stood firm, refusing to engage in customary handshakes with their opponents after the match.
In protest, Salman Ali Agha forfeited the post-match presentation. Meanwhile, the PCB took the matter to unprecedented lengths. Accusing Andy Pycroft of biased conduct, the Pakistan board demanded the match referee’s removal from the tournament. The board, furthermore, threatened to pull out of the Pakistan vs UAE match if the ICC did not comply. The threat, however, had little to no effect, as the ICC denied the removal of Pycroft.
After a meeting between Pycroft and PCB representatives, the Pakistan vs UAE encounter started with an hour-long delay. Pycroft appeared as the match referee for the group-stage fixture as the PCB claimed that he had apologized for the India vs Pakistan handshake row. However, the ICC has categorically denied those claims and reprimanded the PCB for misusing the POMA. The apex council is reportedly set to sanction the board for filming and circulating footage from the meeting.
Meanwhile, as the PCB-ICC row escalates, Pakistan appears to have stirred another controversy. A day ahead of the India vs Pakistan Super 4 clash, the team boycotted the press conference. Hours before the scheduled presser, it was revealed that Andy Pycroft would be named the match referee for this fixture as well. Meanwhile, a source revealed that Salman Ali Agha refused to address the press to avoid questions about the handshake row and Pycroft.
However, this move could land Pakistan in trouble, as the tournament rules classify pre and post-match pressers as mandatory. In another update, a report further stated that the PCB has called a motivational speaker to energize the group ahead of the crucial clash against India. Meanwhile, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav kept it cool in the press conference, playing down the hype around the rivalry and refusing to mention Pakistan at any point during his interaction.
