PCB contemplating Asia Cup withdrawal as fallout continues in the aftermath of the handshake saga vs India.
PCB to take ‘final decision’ on Asia Cup withdrawal by today.
According to the PCB, a definitive decision regarding its withdrawal from the Asia Cup will be made on Wednesday. According to a board statement released around midnight, “consultations were underway” regarding Pakistan’s continued participation in the event, where they will face the UAE in a crucial match on Wednesday night. “The decision will be taken keeping in mind the interest of Pakistan,” the statement said at the end.
As the repercussions from the handshake issue after their defeat to India continues, Pakistan called off their news conference on Tuesday evening, the eve of their Asia Cup match against the United Arab Emirates. The training session for Pakistan that was supposed to happen after the press briefing proceeded according to schedule.
Reason for withdrawal unknown
Although the PCB has not formally explained the team’s decision to skip their news conference, it is thought to be due to their ongoing dissatisfaction with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, whom the PCB has demanded be disqualified from the Asia Cup for the duration.
After Sunday’s match between India and Pakistan ended, in which the Indian players declined to shake hands with the Pakistanis both at the toss and at the end of the match, the PCB accused Pycroft. Coach Mike Hesson attended the post-game news conference, while Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan, boycotted the presentation in protest.
The PCB contends that Pycroft violated MCC laws by telling Agha that there would be no handshakes during the toss. The PCB complained to Wasim Khan, the general manager of the ICC, saying Pycroft’s actions were against the spirit of cricket and the laws of the MCC. They also demanded that Pycroft be taken out of the remaining Asia Cup matches.
Although neither the PCB nor its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, who has publicly lambasted Pycroft and the Indian team, have confirmed it, there were also rumours that Pakistan was thinking of leaving the event if this demand was not fulfilled.
ICC Response unlikely
As of right now, Pycroft is still listed as the match referee for Pakistan’s match against the United Arab Emirates. It is unclear if the ICC has responded to the PCB’s request, and an official has stated that it is doubtful the ICC agrees, considering the precedent that may be set. Both teams must win because the loser would not be able to compete in the Asia Cup.
Although it is customary for the ICC to refrain from making public statements regarding match officials, the organisation has not addressed whether Pycroft indeed give the captains instructions not to meet one another before the toss. Pycroft officiated the Hong Kong vs. Sri Lanka match on Monday. He is one of two match referees at the Asia Cup, along with Richie Richardson.