Pakistan’s cricket history is marked by intense off-field incidents, including the 2009 terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in Lahore, which halted international cricket in Pakistan, and the sudden death of coach Bob Woolmer during the 2007 World Cup after a shocking loss to Ireland. These events continue to haunt fans.
On Wednesday, Pakistan’s cricket community was tense as administrators met in Lahore to decide whether to play their Asia Cup Group A match against the UAE in Dubai or boycott it in protest of India’s handshake snub last Sunday.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) eventually decided to play, but the delay caused the match to start an hour late at 7:30 pm.
The PCB’s request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, who had informed Pakistan late about India’s handshake decision, was denied by the ICC.
The handshake snub was significant, as it was the first match between the two nations since nearing conflict four months prior. India won by seven wickets and avoided a post-match handshake, leading to Pakistan’s complaint that this violated cricket’s spirit.
Although handshakes aren’t mandatory, Pakistan lodged an official protest with the ICC, demanding Pycroft’s removal. Media reports suggested a boycott threat if their demand wasn’t met.
Despite this, Pycroft officiated the match against the UAE. The PCB announced he apologised to Pakistan’s captain, Salman Agha, for the incident on September 14, calling it a miscommunication.
The ICC agreed to investigate the Code of Conduct breach, according to PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also expressed dissatisfaction with Pycroft’s actions.
Naqvi emphasized that cricket should remain separate from politics, committing to focus solely on the sport.
Ultimately, Pakistan’s decision to play prevented a significant embarrassment for the tournament.
