Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Najam Sethi has revealed that Pakistan came dangerously close to withdrawing from their Asia Cup 2025 match against the UAE due to the fallout from the handshake controversy with India. The situation arose after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following the India-Pakistan group stage match, sparking tensions and anger within the PCB.
According to Sethi, PCB leadership seriously considered pulling out of the tournament. The board felt that the perceived slight and the handling of match protocols by match referee Andy Pycroft had created a situation where continuing in the tournament seemed almost untenable. Had Pakistan withdrawn, it would have caused a major disruption to the tournament schedule and led to significant financial and reputational consequences for the PCB.
Sethi intervened at a critical moment, urging the board to reconsider. He highlighted the potential losses, both in terms of finances and international standing, noting that a withdrawal could have cost the PCB substantial revenue and undermined their credibility in international cricket circles. His intervention helped defuse the crisis and persuaded the board to proceed with the match against the UAE.
Despite the internal turmoil, Pakistan managed to field a team and secure a win over the UAE, ensuring their place in the Super Four stage of the tournament. The match itself was delayed briefly due to uncertainty over Pakistan’s participation, but the team ultimately played under the guidance of the ICC, which confirmed Andy Pycroft would continue as match referee.
The near-boycott highlights the complex interplay of politics, protocol, and cricket in high-profile fixtures like India vs Pakistan. It also underscores the pressures on boards like the PCB to manage both player sentiment and international expectations simultaneously. Decisions that may appear straightforward off the field—such as participating in a match—can carry immense diplomatic and financial weight.
Sethi’s revelations provide a rare insight into the internal discussions and high-stakes decision-making that take place behind the scenes. While the controversy centered on a handshake, the broader implications included governance challenges, the role of match officials, and the management of international relations in a highly charged sporting environment.
In the end, Pakistan’s participation in the match against the UAE allowed them to progress in the Asia Cup and continue competing at the highest level, but the episode serves as a reminder of how close off-field tensions can push a team to the brink of withdrawal. It also reinforces the importance of leadership, diplomacy, and measured decision-making within cricket boards facing sensitive situations.
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