Pakistan reverses boycott threat ahead of UAE Clash, Citing Rs.140 Crore loss and “Referee Apology”

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially announced that the team would withdraw in protest over the handshake controversy with India but later agreed to take the field after claiming match referee Andy Pycroft issued an apology.

The episode began on September 14 when, following the India-Pakistan match, Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts a gesture widely regarded as part of cricket’s spirit. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi publicly condemned the refusal, demanding Pycroft’s removal for allegedly ordering captains not to shake hands. When the ICC rejected this demand, Pakistan’s management canceled a planned press conference and hinted at withdrawing from the tournament.

With broadcast rights and sponsorship revenues at stake—each Test nation stands to earn 15% of the ACC’s annual pool, and PCB expected around 12–16 million USD (Rs.140 crore) from this Asia Cup alone Pakistan faced a major economic blow if they pulled out. As tensions peaked, Pycroft allegedly met with Pakistan captain Salman Agha and manager Naveed Cheema. PCB asserts he apologized, a claim neither ICC nor Pycroft has confirmed.

Ultimately, Pakistan arrived at the stadium an hour late, triggering a one-hour delay for the UAE match, which began at 9 PM IST. By agreeing to play, Pakistan avoided elimination and safeguarded their financial interests, though debates continue over whether Pycroft’s meeting constituted a genuine apology or merely a discussion to defuse the situation.