Following the PCB’s threat to boycott the Asia Cup, issues with ICC match referee Andy Pycroft, and a one-hour delay in the crucial match against the UAE, fast bowler Haris Rauf believes the Pakistan cricket board has managed the situation effectively.
On Wednesday, another controversy unfolded in Dubai during the Asia Cup when the Pakistan team refused to leave their Marina-area hotel for their must-win game against the UAE. This move was a direct response to their demand for match referee Andy Pycroft’s removal, which the ICC had rejected.
Eventually, with management’s approval, Pakistan reached the stadium, but the game started an hour late. Pakistan canceled Tuesday’s pre-match press conference but conducted a practice session before facing the UAE.
Pakistan’s actions were tied to their dissatisfaction with Pycroft, whom the PCB wanted removed. They also skipped the post-match presentation following their T20 Asia Cup game against India.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel any pressure. These matters are beyond my control and aren’t my concern. My focus is on playing, and that’s what I concentrated on. Our board and management handled everything well, which is their responsibility,” Rauf commented.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning runs, and he, along with Shivam Dube, notably did not shake hands with the Pakistani players.
India’s decision to avoid handshakes was tied to the tense relations between the countries following the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22. India accused Pakistan-backed terrorists of the attack, a claim firmly denied by Islamabad.
Pakistan and India are set to clash again on Sunday, following their intense encounter last week where India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets.
