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New Delhi: Pakistan have once again skipped their pre-match conference ahead of their Super Four clash against India at the Asia Cup, marking the second consecutive game in which the team has avoided media duties. The cancellation came amid ongoing tension surrounding the match referee Andy Pycroft and a handshake controversy from Pakistan's earlier match against India on September 14.
The press conference, originally scheduled for 6 pm, has been cancelled, though the team will continue with their planned three-hour training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai. Pakistan had previously cancelled a pre-match media session before their game against the UAE, highlighting persistent issues between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
The underlying dispute stems from the handshake incident during the India-Pakistan clash where Pycroft reportedly instructed captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to avoid shaking hands at the toss. The PCB requested the removal of Pycroft after Pakistan's 7-wicket loss from officiating their next match. The request was denied by ICC later.
The situation escalated before the UAE match, when the team arrived late at the Dubai International Stadium, delaying the start by an hour. A muted video of the meeting between Pakistan officials and Pycroft circulated on social media which drew criticism and intensified scrutiny on the PCB’s actions. The ICC reportedly considered taking action against the team for these repeated breaches of protocol.
Another layer of tension emerged from alleged protocol violations as during the UAE match, Pakistan’s media manager, Naeem Gillani, reportedly recorded part of the meeting with Pycroft, which ICC officials claimed was a breach of the Player and Managers’ Area (PMOA) regulations.
The PCB defended the action, stating that the media manager is part of the squad and authorised to film under ICC rules. ICC CEO Sanjog Gupta responded with a strongly worded letter, adding to the friction between the two bodies.
Despite the controversy, Pakistan proceeded with their scheduled their training at the ICC Academy while India conducted optional nets on an adjacent ground. The atmosphere remains tense ahead of the Super Four clash as both teams prepare to face off again under the shadow of the ongoing dispute and how the match will turn out is a big question.
