Pakistan faced backlash after threats to boycott the Asia Cup were retracted. PCB's former chairman, Najam Sethi, has disclosed that Pakistan was ready to boycott the 2025 Asia Cup before the UAE match. However, realizing the financial and reputational damage, they decided to participate.
Najam Sethi Reveals Inside Story
Sethi disclosed to a Pakistani channel that PCB's chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, angered by the handshake saga during the India-Pakistan group match, had threatened to withdraw Pakistan from the tournament. He shared, 'In his fury, Mohsin Naqvi had decided to exit the Asia Cup. I then intervened.'
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Sethi further explained that had Naqvi's decision been executed, both ACC and ICC could have imposed sanctions on Pakistan. Foreign players might have refused to play in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), and TV rights losses could have amounted to around 15 million USD (approximately 132 crore rupees). Sethi stated that such a move would have irreparably damaged Pakistan cricket.
ICC Criticism for Pakistan
The controversy unfolded when, after a loss to India in Dubai, Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team and closed their dressing room door. PCB deemed the gesture insulting and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft.
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ICC rejected this demand, supporting Pycroft and dismissing Pakistan's request for his removal. This added to Pakistan's embarrassment. Just hours before their do-or-die match against the UAE, an emergency meeting was convened with Mohsin Naqvi, Najam Sethi, and former chairman Rameez Raja present. The Pakistani team was instructed to stay at their hotel, delaying the start of the match by an hour.
However, the ICC remained firm, insisting that Pycroft would officiate the match. Consequently, Pakistan had to concede and agree to play. Despite PCB's claims that Pycroft apologized and conceded to play, the ICC clarified he only apologized for any miscommunication, not for the handshake issue.
Both India and Pakistan have now qualified for the Super-4 stage, preparing for a rematch on Sunday, September 21.
