ISLAMABAD: Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday ahead of their Asia Cup game against the UAE. The decision came amid the growing controversy from the team’s heated match against India last weekend.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft. According to PCB, Pycroft told both captains not to shake hands at the toss, something the board argues goes against the “Spirit of Cricket.”
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had already skipped the post-match presentation in protest. Coach Mike Hesson spoke to the media instead. The PCB has demanded that Pycroft be removed from the rest of the tournament.
“Pakistan will not be holding their pre-match press conference today,” the Asian Cricket Council confirmed in a statement on Tuesday ahead of Pakistan’s match against the UAE tomorrow.
Reports in Indian media claimed the ICC has dismissed Pakistan’s complaint, though there has been no official statement from either the ICC or the PCB.
Team officials confirmed to local media that while the press conference was cancelled, the training session went ahead as planned. Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema had also raised concerns about India’s behavior and the umpires’ handling of the game.
The PCB has hinted that it may even consider withdrawing from the tournament if its demands are not met. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has said that “nothing is more important than the honour and prestige of the country.”
The issue comes at a critical point in the competition. Pakistan must beat the UAE on Wednesday to qualify for the Super Four stage. A win would likely set up another meeting with India in Dubai on Sunday.
