Dubai: Amid the ongoing handshake controversy, Pakistan has cancelled its pre-match press conference ahead of Wednesday’s clash against the UAE in Dubai.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) confirmed the decision on Tuesday evening. Pakistan will still conduct its practice session, but the move reflects the team’s dissatisfaction with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, whom the PCB had requested to be removed.
Traditionally, teams shake hands before and after matches. However, following India’s dominant 7-wicket win, Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. In response, Pakistan withdrew from the post-match presentation.
The dispute intensified after the PCB filed a complaint against Pycroft, accusing him of breaching the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC laws concerning the spirit of cricket. Sources indicate, however, that the ICC is unlikely to accept Pakistan’s request.
India’s decision to refrain from handshakes was influenced by strained bilateral relations following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 tourists.
After the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav explained the team’s stance, saying, “A few things in life are above sportsmanship. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. This win is dedicated to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. They inspire us, and we hope to inspire them in return whenever possible.”
Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment over India’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake. While he did not directly blame captain Salman Agha’s absence, he suggested it was connected to the post-match incident.
