The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken a bold step amid the ongoing handshake controversy and cancelled their scheduled press conference ahead of the game against the UAE. The Men in Green could still pull out of the continental tournament.
There is still no official word on Pakistan’s practice session. A clear word on their Asia Cup future will only be out later in the evening. They are scheduled to face the UAE on Wednesday (September 17).
It’s a must-win game for Pakistan. With 1 win from 2 matches, they are placed at second spot in the Group A points table. A win over the UAE will see them face India in their first game of the second round on Sunday (September 21).
A defeat would make them the second team from Group A to crash out. UAE will qualify for the Super 4 and face India on Sunday if they defeat Pakistan.
India have already punched their ticket to the second round. They have won both their matches so far and will face Oman on Friday (September 19).
What is the handshake controversy?
The Pakistan cricket team was embarrassed in Dubai as Team India did not shake hands with the Men in Green. Suryakumar Yadav snubbed the Pakistan captain during the toss as well.
Pakistan made a big issue out of it and they wanted the match referee, Andy Pycroft, sacked. The ICC has denied PCB’s request. Pakistan also threatened to pull out of the Asia Cup. But there is no official word on it yet.
“We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with BCCI and the government. I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalagam terror attack,” Captain Suryakumar said after the game.