Pakistan have cancelled their scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of their second Asia Cup 2025 clash against India, according to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The high-stakes match is set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, with tensions already running high after last week’s heated encounter.
The ACC confirmed in a brief statement that no media session would take place on Saturday. The announcement followed days of controversy surrounding the previous Pakistan-India game, where sportsmanship and political undertones became major talking points.
Controversy Over Referee Appointment
Match referee Andy Pycroft has once again been appointed to officiate the upcoming fixture. His role became a point of contention earlier after Pakistan alleged he advised captain Salman Ali Agha against shaking hands with Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially demanded his removal but accepted his apology and agreed to continue in the tournament.
The earlier clash ended on a bitter note when Indian players refused the customary handshake both at the toss and after the match. This followed a four-day military conflict in May, which claimed more than 70 lives, adding further political undertones to the cricketing rivalry.
Tensions escalated further when Suryakumar Yadav referred to the Pahalgam terrorist attack during his post-match remarks, calling India’s win “a perfect gift” for his country. Pakistan accused him of politicising the contest, intensifying already strained relations.
India’s No-Handshake Policy to Continue
Reports from Indian media suggest that the team plans to maintain its no-handshake policy for Sunday’s clash. Pakistan’s previous match against the United Arab Emirates was even delayed by an hour as the handshake dispute unfolded before Pycroft’s apology resolved the matter.
India, however, have dominated Group A with victories over Pakistan, UAE, and Oman. Their close win against Oman highlighted their consistency and strong form heading into the knockout stages.
Pakistan Urged to Reset Strategy
Former captain Ramiz Raja has urged Pakistan to rethink their approach. He criticised the reliance on all-rounders and stressed the need for top-order stability. According to him, Pakistan must first target scores above 150 to compete effectively.
“If players like Saim Ayub or Hassan Nawaz perform, Pakistan can challenge India,” he suggested. He also highlighted that reducing dot-ball pressure will be crucial.
Commenting on India’s refusal to shake hands, he expressed disappointment, saying such actions do not belong in modern sport.
PCB Support for Team Morale
PCB chairperson Mohsin Naqvi also met the players in Dubai, extending support and motivating them before the big game. With tensions already at their peak, the board is keen to keep the team focused on performance rather than off-field controversies.
Road Ahead in the Asia Cup
Both Pakistan and India have already advanced from Group A, while Sri Lanka and Bangladesh qualified from Group B. A possible third clash between the two arch-rivals looms if both sides reach the final on September 28.
India remain favorites to retain their Asia Cup crown, last won in the 50-over format. Pakistan, however, see the upcoming match as a chance for redemption and momentum ahead of the T20 World Cup scheduled for February-March in India and Sri Lanka.
The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and India continues to transcend sport, with politics, emotions, and national pride all intertwined. Fans now eagerly await whether this Sunday’s clash can remain focused on cricket, or if fresh controversies will once again overshadow the action.
