According to a report by news agency PTI, sources within the Pakistan team confirmed the cancellation was intended to 'avoid' uncomfortable questions related to the growing speculation over a boycott of the tournament
Pakistan's players walk back to the pavilion at the end of the Asia Cup 2025 match against India (Pic: AFP)
Just hours after the ICC dismissed Pakistan's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, a condition tied to their threat of boycotting the remainder of the tournament, the Salman Ali Agha-led side cancelled their scheduled pre-match press conference in Dubai, ahead of their final Group A fixture against the UAE in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
One of the players was due to address the media before the team’s training session at the ICC Cricket Academy, but the media interaction was abruptly called off. According to a report by news agency PTI, sources within the Pakistan team confirmed the cancellation was intended to 'avoid' uncomfortable questions related to the growing speculation over a boycott of the tournament.
This development comes a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup if their demand to remove Pycroft was not met. The board had sent a strongly worded letter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of directing the captains, India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Agha, not to shake hands during the toss ahead of Sunday’s high-voltage clash.
However, the ICC rejected the PCB’s demand, with a source confirming late Monday night: “Late last night, ICC had sent a reply to PCB stating that Pycroft won't be removed and their plea has been rejected.” Despite this, Pycroft remains assigned to officiate Pakistan’s upcoming match against the UAE on Wednesday.
Financial stakes loom large in case of withdrawal
Pakistan’s potential withdrawal is not without serious consequences. Pulling out of the tournament could cost the PCB an estimated INR 141 crore in lost revenue from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) share alone. The financial implications extend beyond the board itself. The decision would likely trigger backlash from official broadcasters, who stand to lose significant revenue, especially if two more India-Pakistan matches, including a potential Super 4 and final clash, are taken off the table.
The India-Pakistan rivalry remains the biggest draw in the Asia Cup, commanding premium advertisement rates and massive viewership. Any disruption to this marquee fixture would severely affect broadcast revenues and sour relations within the ACC boardroom. Adding to the complexity, Mohsin Naqvi, who serves as both PCB chief and ACC President, now finds himself in a delicate position.
With Pakistan’s match against the UAE scheduled for Wednesday, all eyes will be on whether the PCB proceeds with the fixture, or follows through on its threat to exit the tournament
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