The controversy stems from the handshake fiasco between India and Pakistan on Sunday followed by PCB’s demand of match referee Andy Pycroft be removed from the tournament.
The controversy erupted after India’s players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following Sunday’s game, as a mark of respect to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. In response, the PCB demanded the removal of ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging a violation of ICC rules — a plea that was promptly rejected by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Ironically, the rejection letter was signed by ICC general manager Waseem Khan, who previously served as PCB’s CEO. Even after the rejection, the PCB reportedly continued lobbying for Richie Richardson to officiate the UAE game — a move seen as an attempt to offer a face-saver to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as interior minister in the Shehbaz Sharif government.
Some sections of the Pakistan media reported that Naqvi’s scheduled meeting with Prime Minister Sharif primarily concerned interior ministry matters and was unrelated to the Asia Cup pullout threat. Pulling out, however, could cost Pakistan an estimated USD 16 million — a significant blow for a board far less wealthy than the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
While the Indians were deep into their third hour of an intense session at the ICC Academy, the Pakistani players eventually showed up for training. The contrast was stark — India went through a full warm-up with players like Shubman Gill and Abhishek Sharma doing Bronco runs under strength and conditioning coach Adrian Le Roux, while Pakistan’s session largely involved a brief and outdated passing-the-football drill, reminiscent of training routines from 15 years ago.
Though Pakistan’s players appeared cheerful, the banter during their light session hinted at underlying tension, even as the Indian media watched on. Not a single Pakistani player glanced towards India’s nets, where head coach Mike Hesson oversaw proceedings.
Meanwhile, on request from the Indian media, skipper Suryakumar Yadav cut a cake to celebrate his 35th birthday belatedly. His birthday fell on Sunday (September 14), the day India defeated Pakistan convincingly.
