Is Pakistan About to Quit the Asia Cup Over Referee Controversy?
Everybody is thinking: Is Pakistan About to Quit the Asia Cup Over Referee Controversy? The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is still withholding its ultimate verdict on whether the national team will participate in the Asia Cu,p which will take place following the handshake scandal with India. The officials confirmed that the issue is being discussed and a formal announcement of the same is likely to be made on Wednesday following consultations in Islamabad.
Spokesperson Amir Mir of PCB said late Tuesday that the board had not made a position yet. The final decision would be taken by tomorrow, but keeping the interests of Pakistan in mind, consultations were still being made, he said.
In another shocking twist, Pakistan had cancelled their pre-match press conference prior to their visit to hosts, UAE. Even though the team proceeded to train, the Asian Cricket Council made it clear that the training was canceled, which created a speculation around a potential pullout.
Dispute Over Referee Pycroft
It is controversial owing to the contribution of the Zimbabwean match referee Andy Pycroft to Sunday’s match against India.
India claimed that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha received an instruction by Pycroft not to shake hands with the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, before the opening of the match, which was against normal procedure. This situation was worsened when Indian players boycotted shaking hands with the opposition after they won by seven wickets.
The PCB lodged complaints with the ICC and ACC and wanted Pycroft replaced. Media reports, however, indicated that the ICC turned down Pakistan’s plea but confirmed that Pycroft would continue leading their matches.
The row has also caused unrest within the board. It is reported that PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi ordered the sacking of international cricket director Usman Wahla, whom he blamed for causing confusion in the match protocols and humiliating the team and the captain.
Pakistan’s short-term interest is in its match against the UAE. A win would present another high-profile battle against India on Sunday, thus guaranteeing the drama surrounding this tournament on and off the field.
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