Pakistan-India showdown again today, as Pycroft returns as referee

ISLAMABAD: The two biggest questions hanging over Pakistan’s camp ahead of today’s (Sunday) high-voltage Asia Cup Super-Four clash against India are whether to bat or bowl after winning the toss, and what playing combination would be best suiteAd to face an even more demanding encounter than last Sunday’s explosive battle.

This time, however, the stakes go well beyond cricket. The fallout from last week’s controversial match has spilled over into the build-up, adding political undertones to a contest already brimming with history, rivalry, and passion.

The drama began when India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, crossed all boundaries of sportsmanship by using his post-match presentation speech to drag politics into cricket, a move described by many observers as “unprecedented” and “damaging for the spirit of the game”. Compounding the tension was India’s refusal to exchange a traditional handshake at the toss ceremony, an act viewed by Pakistan’s camp as disrespectful and deliberately provocative.

Matters escalated to the point where the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) considered pulling out of the Asia Cup altogether. The situation was defused only after the match referee, Andy Pycroft, privately admitted to mishandling aspects of the controversy and reportedly expressed regret. However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has yet to initiate any formal inquiry into the matter, something that has left the PCB deeply dissatisfied.

The ICC was also displeased over Pakistan’s media manager attempting to record the settlement meeting, and equally concerned about the one-hour delayed start in Pakistan’s match against the UAE, blaming it indirectly on PCB’s actions. With India wielding significant influence over ICC’s affairs, expectations of neutral treatment remain low inside the Pakistan camp.

For now, Pakistan’s players are attempting to block out the noise and focus on the cricket. News emerging from Dubai suggests that team members, in a meeting on Saturday evening, pledged to “fight till the last ball”. To reinforce mental toughness, a sports psychologist Dr Raheel Karim has been drafted into the squad to help players regain focus and resilience.

“Sports psychologists are a must in modern-day cricket,” former Test cricketer and commentator Bazid Khan told a local TV channel. “It is the support staff that transforms a cricketer into a professional capable of handling pressure at the highest level.”

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also met team members during the practice session at the Dubai Sports City Academy round and had discussion with the head coach Mike Hesson.

On the tactical front, Pakistan face a two-pronged challenge, selecting the right XI and handling the toss if luck again favours them. Sources in Dubai revealed that the management is considering fielding an extra pacer in place of Khushdil Shah, depending on how the pitch looks on Sunday evening. If conditions remain similar to last week, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will remain the frontline seamers, with a possible third pacer joining them.

Meanwhile, top-order batsmen admitted in Saturday’s team meeting that they had played “rash shots” and gifted away their wickets in earlier matches. According to a source privy to discussions, the batsmen vowed not to repeat those mistakes, promising instead to bat with greater discipline and responsibility.

Another tactical consensus was that chasing would be the safer bet. Records back this up as over 70 per cent of matches at the Dubai Sports City Stadium have been won by the side batting second, largely due to better conditions under lights.

Adding fuel to the fire, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped Saturday’s pre-match press conference. While no official reason was cited, insiders suggest it may be linked to the PCB’s ongoing standoff with the ICC. Notably, this is the second consecutive time Pakistan has cancelled its press briefing after the infamous “handshake incident”.

Andy Pycroft remains in charge as match referee for the Dubai leg, despite Pakistan’s demand for a full-fledged inquiry into last week’s events, a demand the ICC has yet to seriously entertain.

Sunday’s Super Four clash is no ordinary contest. It carries the weight of unresolved controversies, bruised egos, and the simmering rivalry of two cricketing powerhouses. For Pakistan, the challenge is not just to beat India on the field, but to rise above the off-field turbulence that continues to cast a shadow on the tournament.

With millions of fans watching worldwide, Dubai once again becomes the stage for an encounter where cricket, politics, and pride collide, making this showdown more than just a game.

AFP adds: Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav sidestepped the no-handshake issue ahead of the Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday, choosing to focus instead on the bat and ball.

The Group A clash between the fierce rivals last Sunday ended on a bitter note when Indian players refused to shake hands with their opponents.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft as match referee for the must-win group game against the hosts. Zimbabwean Pycroft oversaw that clash last Sunday.

Pakistan’s last group game against the United Arab Emirates was delayed for an hour due to the stand-off before the matter was resolved. The PCB claimed Pycroft apologised.

Pycroft remained the match referee for Wednesday’s game and is still scheduled to officiate on Sunday.

Indian media reported that the team plans to stick to its no-handshake policy for Sunday’s clash.

Suryakumar changed the subject when asked about the handshake issue and Pycroft’s presence, saying “It will be a good contest between the ball and the bat”. He added: “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. I think that’s the best thing to shut the noise. It’s easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult.”

India won all three of their group games, edging out a brave Oman by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi on Friday as well as beating Pakistan by seven and the UAE by nine wickets respectively.