Participation Still Uncertain Ahead of UAE Clash
Pakistan’s future in the ongoing Asia Cup remains uncertain with less than a day to go before their crucial league match against the UAE. As of late Tuesday night (September 16), the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had yet to confirm whether the national team would take the field, keeping the cricketing world on edge
The impasse follows the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) rejection of PCB’s request to remove Andy Pycroft from the match referees’ panel for the tournament. The demand stemmed from the controversial post-match handshake issue during the India-Pakistan fixture, which has escalated into a standoff between PCB and the ICC.
Mixed Signals From PCB
For much of Tuesday, PCB officials maintained silence on the ICC’s response. While initially denying knowledge of the rejection, they later acknowledged receiving the communication, albeit informally. Their wavering position created fresh uncertainty, especially after the board canceled a scheduled pre-match press conference in Dubai.
Despite the confusion, Pakistan players carried out their net session at the ICC Academy, sharing practice facilities with the Indian squad for over an hour. India wrapped up their training before Pakistan’s arrival, though a few stray balls from India’s range-hitting drills had earlier landed in the adjoining nets.
Training But Waiting on Lahore
On the ground, Pakistan’s preparations appeared businesslike. Fakhar Zaman worked against a pace rotation of Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Nawaz, while Saim Ayub focused on controlling his cut shots against Haris Rauf — a dismissal mode that cost him dearly against India. Salman Ali Agha labored through extended sessions against spin, still struggling for form, while wicketkeeper Mohammad Haris underwent intensive glove work.
Even as the entire 15-member squad trained in sweltering Dubai conditions, final instructions were awaited from PCB headquarters in Lahore. Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who doubles as a government minister, was expected to convene a late-night meeting upon his return from Islamabad, where he reportedly discussed the matter with top officials.
Official Word Expected Soon
PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed that no decision had been finalized as of Tuesday night.
“The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made any final decision regarding the Asia Cup,” Mir said. “Consultations are underway, and a decision will be taken tomorrow, keeping Pakistan’s interests at the forefront.”
With stakes high and the must-win fixture against UAE looming, all eyes will now be on Lahore as the PCB prepares to make its call.