Pakistan Pulls Out of Asia Cup 2025 Over Handshake Controversy With India

Dubai: In a shocking turn of events, sources confirmed that the Pakistan cricket team has withdrawn from the Asia Cup 2025, citing the “handshake controversy” that erupted after their group-stage clash against India. The decision comes just hours before Pakistan’s crucial match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was scheduled to be a must-win encounter at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium tonight.

According to reports from Pakistani media outlets including Samaa TV and Geo News, the team has been instructed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to stay in their hotel rooms. Kits and luggage were left on the team bus, and players were seen waiting in the hotel lobby as uncertainty clouded the fixture. An urgent press conference is expected to be held soon to formally announce the boycott.

Pakistan pulls out of Asia Cup 2025 after handshake row

The controversy originated after India’s players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with the Pakistani team following their match on September 14. In protest, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony. Pakistan lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of bias.

The PCB also accused Yadav of making politically motivated remarks, urging the ICC to take disciplinary action. However, the ICC rejected both appeals, maintaining Pycroft’s officiating role and refusing to penalize the Indian captain.

Financial and disciplinary repercussions loom large

The boycott could have severe financial consequences for Pakistan. According to estimates, the PCB may lose up to USD 16 million in broadcast and sponsorship revenue. Additionally, disciplinary sanctions from the ICC cannot be ruled out, further denting Pakistan’s standing in international cricket.

Observers also raised questions over PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s dual role as the head of the Asian Cricket Council, suggesting that the decision might create conflicts of interest and damage Pakistan’s credibility in global cricket governance.

India defends stand amid Pakistan’s protest

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav defended his team’s refusal to shake hands, explaining that it was a symbolic act of solidarity with victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that the gesture also represented support for the Indian Armed Forces, who are engaged in Operation Sindoor against Pakistan-based militants.

In response, the PCB slammed India’s conduct as “unsporting” and insisted that such actions violated the spirit of cricket. The escalating row eventually culminated in Pakistan’s dramatic withdrawal from the tournament.

UAE advances automatically, India to face UAE on September 21

Following Pakistan’s boycott, the United Arab Emirates has automatically qualified from Group A. This sets up a high-stakes fixture where India will now face UAE on September 21.

While the UAE team has already reached the stadium for tonight’s now-cancelled clash, Pakistan’s no-show effectively confirmed their withdrawal. With the ICC holding its ground, the situation underscores growing tensions between India and Pakistan both on and off the cricket field, casting a shadow over the future of the Asia Cup.

(The content is sourced from agencies and has not been edited by mtimes.co.in.)

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