PCB Convenes Midnight Meeting to Decide on Asia Cup Fate

The future of Pakistan’s participation in the ongoing Asia Cup remains uncertain as of Tuesday (September 16) night, with less than a day left for their crucial league match against the UAE.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) dismissed the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) request to remove Andy Pycroft from the tournament’s panel of match referees due to a handshake controversy. As reported by Cricbuzz on Tuesday morning, this led to mixed reactions from the PCB.

Throughout the day, the PCB initially claimed no knowledge of the ICC’s decision but later informally confirmed receipt of the ICC’s statement on Tuesday night. The PCB gave mixed signals about its further participation, which it had linked to the removal of Pycroft.

On Tuesday evening, they canceled their scheduled pre-match media briefing amid uncertainty, although they proceeded with their practice session at the ICC Academy later that night, leaving many guessing about their next move.

Pakistan’s practice session coincided with India’s at adjacent grounds for over an hour. The Indian batsmen, who often engage in range-hitting, finished their practice before Pakistan’s team arrived at 7:50 PM local time, though balls sometimes landed in Pakistan’s practice area.

Mike Hesson closely monitored a net session where Fakhar Zaman faced Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, and Mohammad Nawaz. Saim Ayub focused on his cut shot against deliveries from Haris Rauf, having been dismissed similarly against India.

Salman Ali Agha spent significant time against spinners, facing left-arm wrist-spinner Sufiyaan Muqeem and leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed but struggled to find his rhythm. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haris underwent specialized wicketkeeping drills.

Despite the whole 15-member Pakistan squad practicing on a hot day in Dubai, they awaited guidance from PCB headquarters in Lahore.

Cricbuzz reports that the PCB plans a meeting late Tuesday night once its head, Mohsin Naqvi, returns to Lahore. Naqvi had been in Islamabad consulting on the team’s continued participation in the tournament.

As a government minister, Naqvi’s trip to Islamabad would normally be routine, but discussions reportedly involvedthe handshake issue and the ongoing dispute with the ICC regarding Pycroft, who is set to referee Wednesday’s match.

“The Pakistan Cricket Board has not yet made a final decision regarding the Asia Cup,” PCB spokesperson Amir Mir said late Tuesday night.

“Consultations are ongoing, and a final decision will be reached by tomorrow. The decision will consider Pakistan’s best interests,” the PCB spokesperson added.