Pakistan threatens to quit Asia Cup 2025 over India match fallout, May skip UAE clash
The 2025 Asia Cup has witnessed a shocking off-field twist, with hostilities between India and Pakistan intensifying after their group-stage encounter in Dubai. In a dramatic turn of events, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has allegedly threatened to boycott their next game against the UAE, due on September 17, if the ICC and tournament authorities respond to their official grievances arising from Sunday’s contentious match.
‘Jalebi Baby’ Rather Than Anthems
The controversy started even before the first ball was bowled. Even while the national anthem ceremony was being conducted, spectators and players alike were shocked when the stadium speakers mistakenly played the pop song “Jalebi Baby” instead of respective national anthems. The shocking musical faux pas left both sides in a state of confusion and resulted in outright frustration in the Pakistan camp, who regarded the incident as an insult.
While the match officials struggled to overcome the blunder, it cast the tone for a confrontation that would eventually be hijacked by mounting tensions and bad sportsmanship.
No Handshakes, No Peace
As the captains emerged for the toss, things became more serious. India’s Suryakumar Yadav apparently declined to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, an act perceived by most as poor sportsmanship. PCB’s official complaint stated that match referee Andy Pycroft had told Salman not to shake hands under orders which are not clear.
The post-match environment only made things worse. Following India’s resounding seven-wicket victory- targeting 128 with 25 balls still remaining – not a single Indian cricketer exchanged hands with their Pakistani rivals. In dissent, Salman Ali Agha avoided the post-match ceremony, and the PCB did not waste much time in taking the issue to the next level.
PCB Demands Referee’s Removal
On September 15, the PCB filed a formal complaint with the ICC, alleging Pycroft of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and the spirit of cricket. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the president also of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanded the immediate removal of Pycroft from the tournament and publicly protested what he described as a “deeply disrespectful” incident.
“We are hoping that the ICC will enforce the values of cricket and act where needed,” Naqvi stated in a release.
The PCB feels the series of missteps from the national anthem blunder to the absence of traditional post-match courtesies is more than mere oversights. They view it as part of a larger disrespect for sportsmanship and cricketing etiquette.
Boycott Threat Looms Ahead of UAE Clash
With tensions on the boil, the PCB has now threatened to withdraw from their next game against the United Arab Emirates on September 17 at 8:00 PM, if their complaints are not heard.
The timing could not have been more delicate. India-Pakistan cricket politics are still touchy in the midst of political tensions, and any sparks on the field only manage to widen chasms. Although the Indian team has not made any official statement regarding the issue, the silence has further contributed to anger in the Pakistani camp.
What’s Next for the Asia Cup?
The Asia Cup has been a beacon of subcontinental rivalry for years, but times like these risk undermining the very ethos the competition is supposed to maintain. The ICC and ACC now find themselves under increasing pressure to broker an end to the dispute and restore peace before what is rapidly becoming a tournament tainted by off-field theatrics instead of on-field greatness.
Unless the situation is resolved quickly, the Asia Cup may witness its first major boycott in years, and the focus will not remain on the performances of the players but on the politics of the game.