The ICC rejected Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plea recently amidst the no-handshake controversy, but the Pakistan team gave a subtle but unmistakable signal on Tuesday night that they will not pull out of the current Asia Cup 2025. However, PCB authorities are still awaiting the final go-ahead from the federal authorities in Islamabad.
In the midst of uncertainty over their future in the tournament, the Pakistani team engaged in a practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai ahead of their next game against the UAE. In a video released by PTI, the players were seen in good spirits and smiling. Skipper Salman Ali Agha was also spotted exchanging pleasantries with UAE players when they left the practice ground, even sharing a smile with one of them before taking to the pitch.
VIDEO | Asia Cup: Visuals from practice session of India, Pakistan teams at ICC Academy in Dubai.#AsiaCup pic.twitter.com/4NM6vH2Kag
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 16, 2025
Pakistan’s arrival at the practice ground coincided with India’s practice session in full swing. India captain Suryakumar Yadav, head coach Gautam Gambhir, and the rest of the team were still making maximum use of their scheduled time on the ground when Pakistan started their nets under the observation of Mike Hesson. Curiously, no Pakistani player moved towards or even watched the Indian practice area during their practice.
Ahead of the decisive match against the UAE, Pakistan will be eyeing a qualification for the Super Four round. Both the teams stand with one victory over Oman and one defeat against India. With India already having qualified for the next round from Group A, the Pakistan-UAE match on Wednesday is de facto a knockout match for both nations.
A Tuesday pre-match press conference was suddenly cancelled by the Pakistan team management, further fuelling the mystery.
“They want to keep cards close to the chest and not answer any questions about boycott,” a source at the PCB informed PTI, suggesting a calculated move to not reveal their position.
While the cricketers are going about their on-field preparations, it is still clear that the ultimate decision regarding Pakistan’s participation in the Asia Cup hangs in the balance with the government, with PCB waiting to receive the go-ahead from Islamabad.
