After threatening to boycott the remainder of the Asia Cup, Pakistan resumed training ahead of their crucial clash against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday, September 16. However, doubts continue to linger over their participation in the rest of the tournament. The Men in Green have been giving mixed signals as they cancelled their pre-match press conference before arriving at the ICC Academy in Dubai for training.
According to news reports from PTI and Cricbuzz, the team is awaiting instructions from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) before committing to future fixtures. As of Monday evening, no official statement had been released by the board.
The controversy stems from the group-stage clash against India, where the Indian players avoided the customary handshakes with their rivals. The Suryakumar Yadav-led side opted to do this, staying in solidarity with the victims of the recent terror attacks in Pahalgam and to also honour the efforts of the armed forces for the successful execution of Operation Sindoor.
Many former cricketers in Pakistan were left fuming over India's gesture. Notable names like Shahid Afridi, Mohammed Yousuf, among many others, were not happy with the move.
Interestingly, both teams' practice sessions overlapped for over an hour the following day, though India wrapped up their training before Pakistan arrived.
The PCB chief and Asian Cricket Council chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has reportedly travelled to Lahore for discussions on the matter. It is suggested that the Pakistan board was furious over what it saw as a deliberate snub from the Indian side. In addition, the PCB have lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) over match referee Andy Pycroft, but the global body is said to have rejected calls for his removal.
While administrative tensions continue to cast a shadow, Pakistan's match against UAE has become a virtual knockout. Both teams have one win and one loss each; a victory would secure Pakistan a place in the Super 4 stage, while a defeat could eliminate them from the competition.
On paper, Pakistan enter the contest as favourites. But with their campaign unsettled by off-field drama, the spirited UAE outfit could sense an opportunity for an upset, especially after their competitive display earlier against Oman which came after a heavy defeat to India.
Should Pakistan prevail, the tournament could be set for another high-stakes India-Pakistan showdown in the later stages -- a clash that would guarantee attention but also risks reigniting the ongoing controversy.
For now, Pakistan's participation continues to hinge on the PCB's decision, leaving players and fans alike in a state of uncertainty.