PCB Cancels Pre-Match Press Conference Amid Asia Cup Controversy

Lahore: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has cancelled the scheduled pre-match press conference ahead of the Pakistan vs. United Arab Emirates (UAE) clash in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as tensions continue to rise following the fallout from the Pakistan–India encounter.

PCB’s Complaint Against Match Referee

The controversy stems from Pakistan’s complaint to the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft. The PCB alleges that Pycroft violated regulations linked to the “Spirit of Cricket,” claiming he instructed the Pakistan and India captains not to shake hands at the toss during last Sunday’s high-profile match.

Tournament organizers later confirmed in an official statement:

“Pakistan will not be holding their pre-match press conference today.”

Both PCB and UAE Cricket Board officials verified the cancellation.

ICC’s Reported Response

Earlier in the day, sections of the Indian media claimed—citing unnamed sources—that the ICC had dismissed PCB’s request to remove Pycroft from the Asia Cup match officials’ panel.

Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema had reportedly raised concerns with the match referee over:

• The Indian team’s post-match conduct

• Pycroft’s role at the toss

• The umpires’ decision to allow Indian players to leave the field without the customary handshake

A PCB source further revealed that Cheema approached tournament director Andy Russel, who allegedly informed him that Pycroft had acted under instructions from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Possible Withdrawal from Asia Cup

Frustrated by the developments, the PCB has written to the ICC seeking Pycroft’s withdrawal from officiating duties in the Asia Cup. According to insiders, the board is even considering pulling Pakistan out of the tournament if Pycroft continues in his role.

PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed his stance on social media, stating:

“There is nothing more important to me than the honour and prestige of my country.”

Pycroft’s Upcoming Assignment

Pycroft, along with Richie Richardson, is one of the two ICC-appointed referees for this tournament. He is slated to officiate Pakistan’s upcoming match against the UAE on Wednesday, having already supervised their opening fixture against Oman.

With the PCB’s strong objections and the ICC’s silence so far, the situation adds a new layer of uncertainty to Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign.