After Pakistan's defeat to India, anger within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) boiled over. The board demanded that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed, blaming him for the no-handshake controversy that caused a stir at the toss and after the match.
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Reports claimed PCB even threatened to quit the tournament if the demand was not met. But as the situation stands now, Pakistan is unlikely to follow through with that threat. The financial and political costs of boycotting are simply too high.
What would happen if PCB really pulled out of Asia Cup 2025?
Walking away from the tournament would bring Pakistan heavy losses. Estimates suggest the PCB could lose between USD 12–16 million (₹106–141 crore) in revenue if they do not complete their matches, according to PTI.
This money comes from broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, and ticket sales linked with the Asia Cup. The financial burden is already heavy after Pakistan spent a lot of money renovating stadiums for the Champions Trophy.
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Pulling out now could damage their yearly budget badly, especially since the Asia Cup makes up a large part of the Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) revenue distribution.
Each of the five Test-playing nations, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan, receives 15% of the ACC’s total earnings. Missing matches would mean Pakistan’s share could be questioned by other boards.
Why is ICC involvement making it harder for PCB to back out?
The ICC, under chairman Jay Shah, has already rejected Pakistan’s request to drop Pycroft. PCB insiders know that a boycott could bring sanctions from the global body, which the board is in no position to handle.
A source quoted in media reports said plainly that Pakistan “cannot afford” to go against the ICC, given its fragile financial state.
Adding to the pressure is the fact that Mohsin Naqvi, PCB chairman and also Pakistan’s Interior Minister, is currently heading the ACC.
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If Pakistan pulls out under his leadership, it would raise serious questions about his credibility and could isolate the country further in cricket politics.
Is the handshake controversy the real reason behind the threat?
The entire issue started after India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players at the toss and later after the match.
PCB claimed Pycroft was involved in telling the captains not to exchange handshakes at the toss, something they felt went against the “spirit of cricket.”
This upset turned into an official protest, but when ICC turned down the complaint, Pakistan’s threat to boycott looked more like pressure tactics than a serious plan.
In reality, the stakes are much higher. India vs Pakistan matches remain the biggest money-spinner of the Asia Cup, and Pakistan pulling out would hurt them financially.
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