The Asia Cup 2025 was hit by fresh controversy on Wednesday as Pakistan announced it will boycott its group-stage match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai.
The dramatic move comes just days after the “handshake controversy” during Pakistan’s clash with India on Sunday, when Indian players and support staff did not shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts after the match.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), led by Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, had lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding action against the match referee Andy Pycroft.
However, the ICC refused to suspend the official, prompting the PCB to escalate its protest.Naqvi is expected to address an emergency press conference shortly to explain Pakistan’s stance.
Pakistan and UAE were scheduled to play later today, but the boycott casts uncertainty over the tournament’s schedule and raises questions about the escalating tensions within the cricketing fraternity.
If Pakistan and UAE match do not play the match today, then UAE will automatically qualify for Super 4 and Pakistan will be out of the tournament.
