Pakistan’s build-up to their Asia Cup clash against the UAE took a dramatic turn on Tuesday evening after the team cancelled its scheduled press conference in Dubai.
Earlier in the day, sources had suggested that no final decision had been taken on the cancellation, but by late evening confirmation came that the press conference would not go ahead. Players are still expected to train at 9 pm as planned, though insiders say the session could also be scrapped depending on how the situation unfolds.
The cancellation comes at a time when tensions between the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) are at an all-time high. The ICC has formally rejected Pakistan’s demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft from the Asia Cup following the heated India–Pakistan fixture in Dubai.
The PCB had objected to Pycroft officiating, particularly in the high-voltage clash against India, but their appeal was turned down. According to sources, the ICC clarified that the referee had no direct role in the handshake row and was only following instructions from officials on the ground.
With the rejection now official, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is set to consult senior government officials before making a final call. The board is expected to issue a formal statement on its stance in the coming hours, leaving fans and players in suspense over Pakistan’s participation in the tournament.
Insiders suggest that if the ICC does not accept Pakistan’s concerns, the national team could even consider pulling out of the Asia Cup — a move that would send shockwaves across the tournament.
For now, all eyes are on Pakistan’s next scheduled game against the UAE. Whether the match goes ahead as planned, or whether the off-field drama spills further onto the pitch, remains to be seen.
