Pakistan cricket team once again cancelled their pre-match press conference ahead of their blockbuster clash against India in the Asia Cup 2025. The reason for cancelling the press conference is not yet clear.
This is the second time in as many games Pakistan have scrapped their customary pre-match media duties. They had declined to hold a press conference ahead of their must-win game against UAE, while the handshake saga with match referee Andy Pycroft raged on.
The sport’s greatest rivals are set to lock horns again in the Super 4 fixture on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai. Ahead of the game, Pakistan has again cancelled their pre-match press conference, as they did ahead of the previous game against the UAE.
PCB hires motivational speaker ahead of IND vs PAK clash
As per reports from multiple media organisations, Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) has also hired motivational speaker Dr Raheel to boost the team’s morale ahead of the crucial clash. The spirits are down in the Pakistan camp after their crushing defeat against India in the group stage clash as the Suryakumar Yadav-led side beat them by seven wickets.
What is the India-Pak-Pycroft controversy all about?
The controversy involving ICC Match Referee Andy Pycroft is centred around the ‘lack of adherence’ of post-match conventions following India’s first game against Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup. During a group stage match between India and Pakistan on September 14th, the Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the match. India’s decision to withhold from observing post-match formalities was purported by team management as a gesture of solidarity with victims of a terror attack in Kashmir.
Following this occurrence, PCB lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) alleging that Pycroft prevented the captains from shaking hands and demanded his removal from the Asia Cup. The PCB even threatened to boycott their subsequent match against the UAE.
The ICC, however, rejected PCB’s claims and dismissed the request to remove Pycroft, confirming his role for the remaining matches in the tournament, including the Super 4 clash between India and Pakistan on September 21st. Adding to their decision, the International Cricket Council further stated that Pycroft was merely conveying a message from the Asian Cricket Council’s Venue Manager and had not violated the Spirit of the Game.
After a delayed start to their match against the UAE and discussions involving the PCB and ICC officials, PCB announced that Pycroft had apologized for a “miscommunication” and they would continue their participation in the tournament. However, the ICC clarified that Pycroft only expressed regret for a “miscommunication” and did not apologize.