The once-defiant Pakistan cricket team, after threatening to boycott the 2025 Asia Cup, has changed its tune. The players were seen practicing ahead of their match against the UAE on Wednesday. Initially, Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, threatening not to play otherwise. However, the ICC made it clear that the referee would remain unchanged. This firm stance by the ICC left Pakistan to quietly prepare for the match.
According to reports from PTI, top officials from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) were awaiting approval from Islamabad on Tuesday, while their players tried to appear relaxed and jovial before their Asia Cup match against the UAE, in light of the 'Handshake Controversy'.
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It was revealed that the request denied by the ICC had been signed by its own General Manager Wasim Khan, who is a former CEO of the PCB.
Click Here: Full Schedule of Asia Cup 2025
Now Requesting ICC
According to sources, PCB is still urging the ICC to appoint Richie Richardson as referee for the UAE match, hoping to provide some 'face-saving' for PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as Interior Minister for Pakistan.
Media reports suggest that Naqvi's meeting with Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was predominantly about issues related to the Ministry of Interior, and not the Asia Cup boycott.
Source: aajtak
Click Here: Full Points Table of Asia Cup 2025
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Pakistan Faces Massive Financial Loss
If Pakistan withdraws from the tournament, the financial loss could amount to approximately 16 million USD. This would be a significant blow given PCB's comparatively smaller budget than the affluent BCCI.
Press Conference Canceled
A press conference scheduled for the evening before the UAE match was canceled an hour and a half prior to its start as players were practicing. Amid speculations of the team skipping training, players showed up, trying to distract from the tension through boisterous chatter and laughter.
