On the eve of one of cricket’s fiercest rivalries, Pakistan’s camp has once again chosen silence over statements. Their customary pre-match press conference, scheduled for Saturday evening at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four clash against India, was abruptly called off.
According to tournament protocol, a Pakistan player or a member of the support staff was expected to address the media at 6 pm local time. However, without any official explanation, the session was cancelled — leaving journalists and fans speculating on the timing and reasoning behind the move.
Second such instance this tournament
This is the second time during the Asia Cup that Pakistan has opted out of a pre-match briefing. The first came before their must-win encounter against the UAE, when tensions were already running high following the “handshake saga” during the India-Pakistan group-stage fixture.
Back then, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was pressing for the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who had instructed both captains not to exchange handshakes at the toss. The lack of post-match gestures, followed by India’s players heading straight to the dressing room, left Pakistan visibly unhappy, sparking official complaints.
Rivalry takes centre stage
Sunday’s match between India and Pakistan in Dubai is set to be the showpiece fixture of the Super Four stage. With emotions already simmering after the earlier controversy, Pakistan’s decision to skip the media session only adds to the sense of mystery surrounding their preparations.
The absence of communication from the Pakistan camp is bound to fuel more chatter ahead of the high-voltage clash. Meanwhile, India, already grappling with an injury concern to Axar Patel, will look to keep their focus on cricket as the arch-rivals meet again in what promises to be another blockbuster.
