Pakistan Threatens to Boycott Asia Cup 2025 If Match Refree Is Not Removed
PCB threatens to boycott UAE match over ICC referee issue. Here’s what happens to Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 chances.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has threatened to boycott their Asia Cup 2025 clash against the UAE. The PCB wants the ICC to remove match referee Andy Pycroft after the India-Pakistan handshake controversy. If not, they claim they will not take the field.
The drama began after India beat Pakistan by seven wickets. Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates refused the customary handshake and walked straight to the dressing room.
Pakistan captain Salman Agha and coach Mike Hesson were furious. Agha even skipped the post-match presentation where Sanjay Manjrekar was waiting to interview him.
Suryakumar later dedicated the win to the Indian Armed Forces. He explained that skipping the handshake was intentional, saying, “Some things are beyond sportsman spirit.”
What Happens if Pakistan Boycott?
If Pakistan refuse to play against the UAE, the match will be treated as a walkover. This means the UAE will automatically get two points. Pakistan, stuck at two points from their only win against Oman, will be eliminated from the tournament.
The UAE already have two points after beating Oman. With a walkover against Pakistan, they will move to four points and qualify for the Super 4s along with India.
India have already secured their place with wins against both Pakistan and the UAE. On the other hand, if Pakistan do play the UAE, the game becomes a virtual knockout. The winner will move to the Super 4s.
At the moment, all eyes are on Mohsin Naqvi and the PCB to see if they actually follow through with their boycott threat. The decision could either save their campaign or end it abruptly.
