Arjit Kumar - Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025Dubai, September 17, 2025 – The atmosphere surrounding the 2025 Asia Cup was already heated, but the "no handshake" controversy following the India-Pakistan match added fuel to the fire. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft and threatened to withdraw from the remaining matches if this demand is not met. This evening, Pakistan's final Group A match against the UAE is a must-win match. But if Pakistan refuses to play this match and subsequent matches, what impact will it have on the cricketing world? Let's explore the possible consequences.
India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets in Dubai on September 14. After the match, the Indian players left without shaking hands with the Pakistani team. Captain Suryakumar Yadav described it as a tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack (in which 26 people were killed). Pakistani captain Salman Agha and coach Mike Hesson were angered. Salman even boycotted the post-match interview. The PCB complained to the ICC that Pycroft mishandled the issue. If Pycroft is not removed, Pakistan could be eliminated before the UAE match.
If Pakistan does not play the remaining matches, their Asia Cup run will be over. They defeated Oman by 93 runs in Group A (2 points), but after losing to India, the UAE match is essential. A boycott would see them eliminated with just 2 points and prevent them from qualifying for the Super Four. This would not only demoralize the players but also negatively impact the team's ranking.
The biggest blow will be financial. The Asia Cup earns the PCB approximately $12-16 million (approximately Rs. 106-141 crores) from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The India-Pakistan match is the highest-earning event. Stadium renovations for the Champions Trophy have already been funded, so this loss will devastate the PCB's annual budget. Pakistan holds a 15% share in the Asian Cricket Council's (ACC) revenue, which could now be at risk.
This controversy is not limited to the field. The Indian government has allowed Pakistan to play in multinational tournaments, but bilateral series are banned. If Pakistan is eliminated, pressure will increase on the ACC and the ICC. Other boards (such as India's BCCI) may question Pakistan's share. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi's credibility will also be questioned, and Pakistan cricket could face international isolation. Experts say this would be against the "spirit of cricket," and the ICC may have to take strict action.
The tournament schedule will be disrupted. Oman, UAE, and India remain in Group A. If Pakistan is eliminated, their matches will be cancelled or given walkovers, affecting the points table. India has already qualified for the Super Four, but if Pakistan had reached the Super Four, it would have led to a rematch with India. The biggest loss for fans: the exciting matches they will not see. The ACC may have to create new rules, and the tournament's credibility will be questioned.
This decision will also cast a shadow over future tournaments. Pakistan could face isolation in the ICC Champions Trophy 2026 or the World Cup. Pressure on players will also increase, and young talent will receive fewer opportunities. However, the PCB has stated that "consultations are ongoing," and a decision on playing today's match will be made by Wednesday. The ICC has suggested Pycroft be "rested," but a complete removal seems unlikely.
