Pakistan Cancel Pre-Match Press Conference Before UAE Clash in Asia Cup 2025

Ahead of their pivotal Group A encounter against the United Arab Emirates in the upcoming Asia Cup, Pakistan has cancelled their pre-match press conference after threatening to withdraw from the competition due to match referee Andy Pycroft’s attendance. Rumours of a possible protest or possibly a withdrawal from the competition have been stoked by the decision.

On the evening of September 16, the team was supposed to speak to the media, however the briefing was abruptly cancelled without providing an official explanation. The players are reportedly still expected to train as scheduled in spite of the cancellation.

Pakistan is currently getting ready for their crucial group match against the United Arab Emirates on September 17, which might decide their fate in the competition.

Pakistan’s most recent moves come after the International Cricket Council (ICC) officially denied the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plea to have Pycroft removed from the match officials’ panel on September 16. According to the PCB’s complaint, Pycroft told Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav of India during the toss. On Wednesday, Pycroft is also expected to officiate Pakistan’s last group stage match against the United Arab Emirates.

Naved Cheema, the manager of the Pakistani squad, filed a supplementary protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), alleging that Pycroft’s directives stopped the two captains from exchanging team sheets. In the wake of the Pahalgam terror tragedy, Suryakumar and his teammates declined to shake hands with Pakistan after India won by seven wickets.

According to sources, Usman Walha, the PCB’s Director of Cricket Operations, allegedly neglected to inform Agha of the tournament’s rules, leaving the captain unprepared, which exacerbated the situation. According to reports, Walha was fired by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the ACC, because of the humiliation the squad endured.

Despite the PCB’s initial demand that Pycroft be fired, the board is now considering other options after the ICC rejected their request. Though its viability is still up in the air, one suggestion being considered is having Richie Richardson serve as the match referee for Pakistan’s encounter against the United Arab Emirates.