Dubai, September 20: The Pakistan cricket team has once again cancelled its pre-match press conference ahead of their high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 Super 4 clash against India, scheduled for Sunday, September 21, in Dubai.
This is the second time in the ongoing tournament that Pakistan have skipped the media interaction, having done the same before their match against the UAE earlier this week.
Meanwhile, in a bid to lift the Green Brigade’s morale following their heavy defeat to India in the group stage, the Pakistan management has roped in sports psychologist Dr. Raheel Kareem. Pakistan’s confidence has taken a hit after being thrashed by seven wickets in that encounter by the Suryakumar Yadav-led side.
Tensions between the two camps have also grown off the field. After the Pahalgam terror attack triggered fresh border escalations, the Indian team reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. In response, Pakistan skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, expressing displeasure over the gesture.
Adding to the drama, Zimbabwean official Andy Pycroft has reportedly been once again assigned to oversee Sunday’s clash. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier objected to his appointment, accusing him of breaching the spirit of the game by discouraging handshakes between players during the September 14 group match.
While the PCB claimed that Pycroft had apologised for his actions, the International Cricket Council (ICC) flatly denied this, confirming that no apology was issued and reaffirming Pycroft’s position as a senior Elite Panel umpire.
With emotions running high both on and off the field, Sunday’s clash between India and Pakistan is set to be one of the most anticipated encounters of the 2025 Asia Cup.
