Reports suggest that Pakistan’s withdrawal from the Asia Cup 2025 is linked to a dispute with an ICC-appointed referee, rather than tensions with Team India. The controversy erupted after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) alleged that match referee Jeffrey Pycroft, a former Zimbabwe international, instructed both captains not to shake hands during the toss — a long-standing cricket tradition.
According to PCB’s claims, Pycroft first conveyed the directive privately to Pakistan captain Salman Agha, before separately informing India captain Suryakumar Yadav. The board reportedly viewed this as an act of bias and disrespect, sparking anger within Pakistan’s camp.
The PCB’s objections eventually escalated into the decision to boycott the tournament, leaving the ongoing Asia Cup in turmoil. While the UAE squad had already reached the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for their scheduled clash against Pakistan, the latter stayed back at their hotel, refusing to take the field.
An official statement from the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the ICC is still awaited to clarify the status of the tournament and address Pakistan’s allegations.
