DUBAI – The drama around the Asia Cup 2025 refuses to die down. Just a day after Pakistan cancelled its scheduled training session and press conference ahead of the must-win clash against the UAE, India too pulled out of their planned practice and media interaction.
According to the initial schedule, India were set to train for three hours from 6 PM Gulf Standard Time on Wednesday, followed by a pre-match press conference. But late on Tuesday night, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sent out a message to the media, confirming that both the practice and presser were off.
“Please note there will be no media and practice session tomorrow. It is a rest day. Will convey practice and PC time for pre-match PC for Thursday later,” BCCI wrote in its official communication.
While the BCCI maintained the decision was taken to give players rest before their Oman clash, the timing of the cancellation raised eyebrows, coming right after Pakistan’s similar move.
Pakistan, earlier on Tuesday, had called off its pre-match media briefing in Dubai, sparking speculation that it was a tactical step to avoid questions about the ongoing row with the ICC and match referee Andy Pycroft.
The controversy stems from the heated India–Pakistan clash on September 14, when the traditional handshakes before and after the game were skipped. The PCB later accused Pycroft of mishandling the situation and even threatened to pull out of the tournament if he continued to officiate.
With Pakistan fighting for survival against UAE and India preparing to take on Oman, the tournament is at a tipping point — and the off-field drama is proving just as intense as the on-field action.
