Boycott threat withdrawn, Pakistan agrees to play Asia Cup match in UAE

Pakistan Call Off Boycott Threat, to Face UAE in Asia Cup.

Pakistan have backed down from their threat to boycott the Asia Cup over the handshake row with India and will play their final Group A match against the UAE in Dubai on Wednesday, September 17.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of failing to act when Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands after Sunday’s match in Dubai. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected the request, Pycroft will not officiate Pakistan’s next game. Fellow referee Richie Richardson has been assigned instead.

Sources said the decision to continue in the tournament came after PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi consulted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan had also cancelled their pre-match press conference on Tuesday, adding to uncertainty, before resuming training at the ICC Academy later in the day.

Pakistan, beaten comprehensively by India, must defeat the UAE to qualify for the Super 4 stage.

The controversy began when Suryakumar refused customary handshakes with Pakistani players at the toss and after the game, later saying “a few things in life are beyond sportsman spirit.” He dedicated India’s win to the armed forces and victims of the April terror attack in Pahalgam.

The incident sparked heated exchanges on social media. Former Pakistan batter Mohammad Yousuf made a slur against Suryakumar before offering a clarification, while ex-India pacer Madan Lal condemned the remark. India, already assured of a Super 4 berth after two wins, face Oman next. If Pakistan beat the UAE, the arch-rivals will clash again on September 21.