LAHPRE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has clarified that it did not make a definitive decision regarding its participation in the Asia Cup after the controversy surrounding the Pakistan-India match played on Sunday in Dubai.
While talking to media persons, a PCB spokesperson stated that meetings are underway and a decision would be announced by Wednesday. He further said that any decision on the Asia Cup would be made keeping in view Pakistan’s best interests.
It is worth mentioning that the dispute started after Pakistan protested against the conduct of match referee Andy Pycroft during the game against India. PCB requested the International Cricket Council (ICC) to remove Pycroft from officiating in the Asia Cup matches.
After the request, the PCB threatened to boycott all the remaining matches in the tournament unless the referee was changed. The ICC, however, rejected Pakistan’s request to remove Andy Pycroft. Then, PCB is reported to be consulting with the government to decide the future course of action.
The controversy began after Pycroft is reported to have instructed Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha that there would be no handshake at the toss between the two sides, a step allegedly due to instructions from the Indian cricket board and government.
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The Pakistan team manager complained to the tournament director, who is reported to have confirmed that he had received instructions from the Indian board and the Indian government ultimately.
Pakistan’s next game in the Asia Cup is against the United Arab Emirates today (Wednesday).
