Pakistan Team Threatened to Withdraw in UAE, Match Referee Issues Apology
The Pakistan cricket team’s Asia Cup campaign faced unexpected drama when players reportedly delayed their departure for the stadium in protest over an incident that occurred during their high-voltage clash against India.
Tensions escalated after Pakistan’s loss to India on September 14, when Indian players were seen refusing customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later accused match referee Andy Pycroft of instructing captain Babar Azam not to expect handshakes, calling the move a violation of cricket’s laws and spirit.
According to reports, PCB officials held urgent meetings in Dubai to discuss whether Pakistan should withdraw from their next fixture against the UAE. The team initially stayed back at their hotel, delaying the scheduled travel to the stadium, sparking speculation that they might boycott the match altogether.
The situation was defused only after referee Andy Pycroft issued an apology to Pakistan’s captain and team management, describing the “no-handshake” directive as a miscommunication. Following the apology, Pakistan agreed to play the match, which began roughly an hour later than scheduled.
While the apology prevented Pakistan from pulling out of the tournament, the episode has raised serious questions about sportsmanship, officiating standards, and the ICC’s role in managing on-field controversies.
PCB officials are expected to lodge a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the incident.
