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Former international umpire Anil Chaudhary suggests that the Pakistan Cricket Board's (PCB) recent controversies during the Asia Cup were a diversionary tactic following their loss to India. These controversies included boycott threats, disputes with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, and a handshake disagreement with India, sparked by strained relations after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Asia Cup is marred by a handshake controversy following India's victory over Pakistan, escalating with Mohammad Amir's veiled critique of the Indian team via a social media post praising Virat Kohli. This incident led to scheduling disruptions, including a delayed Pakistan-UAE match due to PCB's concerns over the match referee.

It remains to be seen how the PCB responds to the strongly-worded email, as they are yet to furnish details in response to another email sent by the global cricket body to the PCB on September 17 — the day the drama unfolded and the fixture was delayed by an hour.

Former Atiq-uz-Zaman criticised the PCB for providing substandard jerseys during the Asia Cup 2025, contrasting them with the dry-fit kits of other teams. Despite Pakistan's Super Four qualification after defeating UAE, Captain Salman Ali Agha acknowledged batting concerns, particularly in the middle overs. Agha emphasised the need for improvement before their crucial match against India on September 21.

Pakistan threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup after a perceived slight during the India-Pakistan match, claiming that India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The Pakistan Cricket Board said match referee Andy Pycroft apologised for miscommunication. But did he? We fact check that claim.

Amidst controversy and tension, Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, asserts his team's readiness for the Super Four clash against India. Despite past incidents, including handshake disputes and standoffs, Salman emphasises the need for batting improvement, particularly in the middle order. He expresses confidence in the team's ability to overcome any challenge if they maintain their recent performance level.

Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup over a referee dispute could cost them millions in revenue, potentially jeopardising their financial stability within the Asian Cricket Council. This potential decision, driven by PCB chief Naqvi's criticism of the match referee, risks a significant loss from broadcast deals and sponsorships.

The ICC rejected PCB's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup after Pakistan alleged he instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India's captain. The ICC clarified that ACC officials informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.

​​The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025, despite rising tensions over the role of match referee Andy Pycroft during Pakistan’s match against India in Dubai on Sunday. Match referee Pycroft had asked Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to skip the customary handshake at the toss.

The ICC is likely to reject the PCB's demand to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, following allegations that he instructed captains not to shake hands. Sources suggest Pycroft may have been acting on instructions from the ACC. The PCB, led by chief Mohsin Naqvi, threatened to withdraw from the tournament if their demand wasn't met.