Pakistan has made a sudden U-turn on its Asia Cup 2025 boycott threat over the handshake saga. The two-time Continental Cup champions will now face the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in a must-win game on Wednesday, September 17, in Dubai. Notably, the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Pakistan's official complaint to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Continental Cup; sources said the Zimbabwe-born former cricketer will not officiate in Pakistan's clash on Wednesday.
According to sources, the decision to go ahead with the game was taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi after discussing the issue with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Notably, Richie Richardson, the other match referee in the ongoing Asia Cup, will officiate in Pakistan's match against the UAE.
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Earlier, the Men in Green had threatened to boycott the remainder of the Continental Cup if Pycroft was not removed, following the handshake row during their game against India in Dubai. The PCB officially lodged a complaint to ICC, demanding his removal, accusing him of failing to act when Indian players, including skipper Suryakumar Yadav, refused a customary handshake after India's convincing seven-wicket win in Dubai.
On Tuesday, September 16, Pakistan also cancelled the customary pre-match press conference, adding a lot of uncertainty to their participation for the remainder of the Continental Cup. However, putting an end to the speculation, Salman Agha & Co. trained in the ICC Academy in Dubai on the eve of the match.
Pakistan eyeing win in their must-win clash against UAE
Notably, had Pakistan boycotted their clash against the UAE, they would have been eliminated from the Asia Cup. The Men in Green, who are coming into this clash on the back of a thumping loss to India, need a win to qualify for the Super 4 stage of the tournament.
For the unversed, the handshake saga escalated after Surya and support staff shut the dressing room door after the win, leaving Pakistan players stranded on the Dubai ground. Head coach Mike Hesson felt utterly disappointed by India's gesture. Indian leader Surya in the post-match presentation, defended his no handshake with their counterparts and told the media, " a few things in life are beyond sportsman spirit."
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The Indian leader also dedicated the victory to the Pahalgam victims' families and Army officials, who are always committed to safeguarding the nation.
