Pakistan Skips Pre-India Press Conference Amid Referee Dispute and Handshake Controversy

Pakistan have decided to cancel their pre-match press conference before their Super Fours match against India at the Asia Cup on Sunday. This follows a similar cancellation before their previous game against the UAE. While the press conference scheduled for 6 pm local time is cancelled, the team will proceed with their planned three-hour training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai.The reason for cancelling the press conference remains unknown. This marks the second consecutive time Pakistan has skipped their pre-match media duties. The previous cancellation occurred before their crucial UAE match amid an ongoing dispute with match referee Andy Pycroft regarding a handshake controversy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The situation has gained attention as Pycroft, who was involved in the handshake incident during the India-Pakistan match on September 14, has been appointed as the match referee for their upcoming Super Four fixture in Dubai.The Pakistan Cricket Board had requested Pycroft's removal following their 7-wicket loss to India. The controversy arose when Pycroft reportedly instructed captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav to avoid handshakes during the toss of their group stage match.The situation intensified when the ICC rejected PCB's request to remove Pycroft. This led to complications before Pakistan's match against the UAE, where the team arrived late at the Dubai International Stadium, causing an hour's delay. The players were instructed to remain at their hotel while PCB officials discussed the matter with the ICC.Another controversy emerged when the Pakistan team management met with Pycroft before the UAE match toss. The PCB shared a muted video of this meeting on social media, which received significant criticism. Sources indicate that Pakistan's actions prompted the ICC to consider taking measures against them.This series of events has created a tense atmosphere as both teams prepare to face each other again at the same venue.