Pakistan team management made a decision not to engage with the media prior to the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match against India. “Pakistan have cancelled pre-match press conferences again to steer clear of queries relating to Pycroft’s appointment and the no-handshake row,” a tournament official told PTI.
The move comes against the backdrop of increased tensions regarding the Elite Panel Match Referee Andy Pycroft, who has been posted to umpire Sunday’s high-stakes India-Pakistan match despite persistent demands from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for his withdrawal.
ICC Stands Firm On Pycroft Appointment
Andy Pycroft was in the middle of controversy in India’s last game against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, when the Indian team, as part of a policy move, refused to shake hands with Pakistani players. The situation further flared up when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav also avoided the traditional handshake at the toss.
PCB wrote two different emails to the ICC, initially calling for Pycroft to be removed from the tournament and subsequently requesting that he not act in Pakistan’s matches. Both requests were turned down by the ICC, which again confirmed its backing for the Elite Panel referee.
The ICC insisted that Pycroft merely served as a messenger, communicating directions from the appointed Venue Manager of the Asian Cricket Council. “He could only relay the message since there were only a few minutes remaining before the match,” an ICC source clarified.
Miscommunication And The ICC Response
After the first controversy, the ICC organized a meeting between Pycroft and Pakistan’s team management, such as captain Salman Ali Agha, head coach Mike Hesson, and manager Naveed Akram Cheema. According to reports, Pycroft had said that he “regretted the miscommunication” but did not offer a formal apology.
Later communication from the ICC also alleged that PCB had breached protocols concerning the ‘Players and Match Officials Area’ (PMOA), which was refuted by Pakistan.
What This Means Ahead Of Sunday’s Clash
With Pycroft appointed as match referee for another India-Pakistan match, the ICC has indicated that it will not bow to pressure, and it has set the stage for the handling of Elite Panel officials in future big-ticket encounters. The names of other match officials for Sunday’s meeting have yet to be announced, although former West Indies captain Richie Richardson is the second match referee for the tournament.
The withdrawal of pre-match press conferences by Pakistan appears to signal the team’s desire to steer clear of additional media attention on the Pycroft controversy and the no-handshake debacle. As tensions brew leading up to the Super Four showdown, everyone will be waiting to see how both camps navigate the sensitive art of sport and diplomacy on the pitch.
