In a shocking development, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is serious about pulling out of their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage encounter against the UAE.
The decision to boycott the fixture comes after their demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the continental event was rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The Men in Green were scheduled to lock horns with the hosts in their third and final Group A match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (September 17).
However, hours before the start of the game, multiple reports claimed that the Pakistan team management has informed the players that they will not play today’s must-win clash.
According to Hindustan Times, Pakistani players have been asked to stay put in the team hotel and not travel to the venue unless the green signal is given.
The Salman Agha-led side is facing a do-or-die situation after suffering a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of India. They need to win the game against the UAE to advance to the Super 4s.
The controversy erupted after the handshake gate in Sunday's India versus Pakistan Asia Cup match. Suryakumar Yadav's team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, and the Indian captain dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces, saying his team stands in solidarity with the Pahalgam terror attack victims.
Subsequently, the PCB lodged an official complaint with the ICC, demanding match referee Andy Pycroft’s immediate removal from the remainder of the tournament. However, the apex body turned down the request, saying the Zimbabwean official did nothing wrong.
The PCB then sent another letter to the ICC, sticking to its demand that Pycroft be sacked. The ICC once again rejected the appeal and hence the deadlock between the ICC and PCB continues, and hence, the Pakistan board has now instructed its team to stay put and not travel to the stadium.
"The team has been asked not to travel to the stadium now. The bags and kits have all been loaded on the team bus, but the team has been asked to stay put. The deadlock persists between the PCB and the ICC," an insider confirmed to Hindustan Times.
As per the report, the PCB is set to hold a press conference back in Lahore on Wednesday evening, confirming their stance on this matter.
