The Pakistan cricket team has once again displayed poor sportsmanship by boycotting the pre-match press conference ahead of their crucial Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 stage clash against arch-rivals India.
A day before the big-ticket encounter in Dubai, India captain Suryakumar Yadav attended the press conference and interacted with media personnel.
As SKY walked out of the media room after a lengthy chat, everyone waited to continue the session with a representative from the Pakistani side, however, none came from their camp.
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Why did Pakistan boycott the pre-match press conference ahead of India clash?
As per PTI (via NDTV), a source close to the tournament organiser claimed: "Pakistan have once again cancelled pre-match presser conference in order to avoid questions on Pycroft appointment and no handshake controversy. Andy Pycroft is the match referee for Indo-Pak game."
READ: Who will be the match referee for IND vs PAK Super 4 match in Asia Cup 2025?
Is this the first time Pakistan has boycotted a pre-match press conference in Asia Cup?
No, this is not the first time the Pakistani side has not turned up for a media interaction. Ahead of their final group stage clash against UAE, Pakistan did not send a representative.
Andy Pycroft is at the centre of the controversy
Pycroft, a senior member of the ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees, has been in the spotlight since the group stage match between India and Pakistan.
According to multiple reports, the PCB accused him of instructing captains to skip the customary post-match handshake, calling it against the spirit of the game. The PCB escalated matters - writing to the ICC and demanding that Pycroft be removed from Pakistan's matches.
At one stage, Pakistan even threatened to boycott their fixture against the UAE. The ICC stood firmly by Pycroft.
More: Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 points table: Detailed Standings for the continental T20 tournament
Its internal review found no breach of protocols, stating that he was only following Asian Cricket Council guidelines to prevent an awkward live broadcast moment. He went on to officiate Pakistan's match against the UAE despite protests.