India and Pakistan are gearing up for another showdown in the ongoing Asia Cup tournament today, just a week after their last encounter was marred by a handshake controversy. The much-anticipated match on September 14 in Dubai saw India claim victory, but it was the off-field drama that stole the spotlight.
This was the first meeting between the neighboring countries since a four-day skirmish at the India-Pakistan border in May resulted in over 70 casualties. The match happened amidst boycott calls that dominated headlines, occurring only four months after the nuclear-armed South Asian rivals nearly escalated into a full-scale war.
India triumphed in the group match by seven wickets and subsequently refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, sparking outrage. The ‘handshake snub’ set off a series of events, including Pakistan considering boycotting the tournament and casting doubt on their match against the UAE.
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Here’s a recap of the past week’s events:
September 14:
India wins match, forgoes handshake
India clinches a 7-wicket win in the Asia Cup Group A match against Pakistan, dominating the game to effortlessly chase down 128. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube left the field without shaking hands with the opponents.
During the post-match press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav stated that their actions were based on guidance from the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
September 15:
PCB accuses match referee
The snub did not sit well with Pakistan. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a complaint with the ICC against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he advised captain Salman Agha not to offer a handshake to India skipper Suryakumar Yadav before the game.
PCB demanded Pycroft’s immediate removal from the tournament and threatened to pull out from the eight-team Twenty20 competition.
September 16:
Boycott threat casts shadow over UAE match
Uncertainty loomed over the match against the UAE as Pakistan canceled their pre-match press conference amid reports of an Asia Cup boycott threat.
September 17:
The dilemma: To play or not to play
More drama unfolded as cricket fans questioned the likelihood of the Pakistan vs UAE match. The Pakistan team remained at their hotel in the Marina area.
PCB struggled to decide whether to allow their team to play the crucial Group A Asia Cup match or withdraw in protest against India’s handshake snub.
Pakistan vs UAE match delayed
Eventually, the Pakistan team arrived at Dubai stadium, but their indecision led to a match delay, starting at 7:30 pm (UAE time).
Pycroft remains as referee
PCB announced that Pycroft had apologized to Pakistan captain Salman Agha for mishandling the handshake incident with India.
He continued as the referee for the match against the UAE.
Pakistan wins match
Pakistan advanced to the Super Fours, setting up another encounter with India in Dubai.
September 18:
PCB faces criticism
The International Cricket Council (ICC) sent emails to PCB highlighting multiple infringements during the match against the UAE on September 17. Pakistan allegedly allowed a media manager to record a meeting between match referee Pycroft, head coach Mike Hesson, and captain Agha before the toss.
The footage was posted on PCB’s official social media channels. The ICC had clearly stated that media managers were prohibited from such meetings.
September 19:
Refocusing on the game
Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav sought to de-escalate the controversy. “When you step onto the field, it’s just a batter in front of you. I have always approached it this way against Pakistan,” he said before India’s last group game against Oman on Friday.
Agha also emphasized sportsmanship. “If we play good cricket, like we have in recent months, I think we’ll be competitive against any team,” the Pakistan captain told reporters.
Just before the toss
It was revealed that Pycroft was informed of the no-handshake decision only four minutes before the toss by an Asian Cricket Council (ACC) venue manager, and he merely relayed the message.
PCB officials argued that the match referee should have informed the ICC of this unusual request, but Pycroft reportedly stated he had no time to do so.
September 20:
‘Existential crisis’
Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Najam Sethi disclosed that he participated in an emergency PCB meeting on September 17 to help avert a crisis. PCB’s current chairman Mohsin Naqvi insisted on withdrawing from the Asia Cup, which would have severely impacted the team.
Challenges in ignoring the ‘noise’
When asked if the team would feel the impact of the past week’s events as they take the field at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, Indian captain Suryakumar smiled and said, “I’m not aware of any rivalry you’re mentioning…”
He explained how the team prepared for Sunday’s game. “We closed our rooms, turned off our phones, and got some rest,” he smiled, acknowledging the difficulty in ignoring the ‘external noise’.
Pre-match press conference canceled
Pakistan canceled their pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated Asia Cup Super Four match against India at Dubai International Stadium.
When questioned about the reason, Naqvi remained silent, but when pressed further, he smiled and said, “We will talk soon.”
September 21:
India vs Pakistan showdown
Andy Pycroft will officiate as the match referee for the Super Four fixture between the two teams in Dubai on Sunday.
Indian media has reported that the team will adhere to their no-handshake policy for Sunday’s encounter.
A potential third India-Pakistan clash looms if both teams qualify for the final on September 28 in Dubai. India, the reigning Asia Cup champions from the last 50-over edition, are favorites to retain the title.
