In a recent development, the ICC denied PCB’s request to drop Andy Pycroft from the remainder of the Asia Cup 2025. As things stand, Pakistan’s continuation in the tournament hangs in the balance without any update regarding their clash against the UAE.
Notably, for most of the day, the PCB maintained silence and claimed ignorance of the ICC’s rejection of their demand to remove Andy Pycroft. But by Tuesday night, officials quietly acknowledged receiving the ICC’s email, even as uncertainty loomed over their continued participation in the Asia Cup, which they had linked directly to Pycroft’s removal.
Interestingly, their training overlapped with India’s for over an hour, with both sides practicing on adjacent grounds, barely a stone's throw apart. The Indian batters, known for launching balls into orbit during range-hitting, wrapped up just before Pakistan arrived at 7:50 PM local time. It was perhaps a well-timed exit, considering the frequent spillover of big hits into the neighbouring ground where Pakistan was set to train.
Pakistan Train Amid Uncertainty as Session Overlaps with India’s
Adding to the confusion, Pakistan called off their pre-match press conference after hours of indecision, but still turned up for their scheduled net session at the ICC Academy late in the evening, keeping everyone guessing about their next move.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cry foul, lodges protest against India in Dubai
According to Cricbuzz, the PCB is expected to hold a high-level meeting late Tuesday night once its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, returns to Lahore from Islamabad. While officially a routine visit in his capacity as a government minister, it is understood that Naqvi’s trip to the capital was specifically to consult with the government regarding the ongoing handshake controversy, its broader implications, and the standoff with the ICC over match referee Andy Pycroft, who is scheduled to officiate Wednesday’s crucial game.
"The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made any final decision regarding the Asia Cup," PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said late on Tuesday night.
"Consultations are underway in this regard, and a final decision will be made by tomorrow. The decision will be taken keeping Pakistan's interest in mind," — as quoted by Cricbuzz.
Also Read: Andy Pycroft Removed from Pakistan vs UAE Asia Cup Clash; Richie Richardson to Take Over - Reports
