Why Pakistan’s Best Option After ICC Rejection Could Be Withdrawing from Asia Cup 2025

Sep 16, 2025

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The Asia Cup 2025 has turned into a cauldron of off-field drama. After the International Cricket Council (ICC) rejected Pakistan’s plea to remove match referee Andy Pycroft over the so-called “handshake controversy,” Pakistan now faces a tough decision. Many observers argue that the only way left for Pakistan to maintain its self-respect and send a strong message is to consider withdrawing from the series altogether.

This article explores why withdrawal is being discussed, what happened with the handshake issue, how Pakistani players were already informed of the protocol, and why the entire episode has been perceived by some as an unnecessary drama.

Background: ICC Rejects Pakistan’s Plea

Pakistan’s cricket board (PCB) formally asked the ICC to take action against match referee Andy Pycroft after alleging that their captain was instructed not to shake hands with the Indian captain during the toss and that the exchange of team sheets was also blocked.

The ICC, however, rejected the complaint, stating that the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) itself had issued these instructions and that the referee had only followed established protocol. With that decision, the PCB’s demand for Pycroft’s removal collapsed, and Pakistan was left with limited options.

How Players Were Already Informed

According to reports from within the tournament, players on both sides were told ahead of time that there would be no handshake ceremony at the toss for security and procedural reasons. This means that Pakistani players were aware of the change but proceeded as instructed.

Yet, after the match, the narrative shifted. The PCB framed it as an act of disrespect or bias, which fueled public debate. Critics argue that if players already knew about the protocol, then the post-match complaints were less about genuine grievances and more about optics.

Why Withdrawal is Being Discussed

For Pakistan, withdrawing from the Asia Cup 2025 would be an extreme but symbolic measure. Here’s why some believe it’s their “only dignified” option now:

Reason	Explanation
Assertion of Self-Respect	With the ICC rejecting its plea, Pakistan may see withdrawal as a way to show it won’t tolerate perceived disrespect.
Shifting Focus	Leaving the tournament would shift headlines from on-field results to a political stand, reinforcing PCB’s position at home.
Precedent Setting	A withdrawal could signal to cricket authorities that Pakistan demands stricter neutrality and clearer communication in future events.
Avoiding Distraction	Staying in the tournament under current conditions could mean continuous media focus on the controversy rather than cricket.

The Drama Perception

Many commentators feel that Pakistan “created drama” after the match despite being briefed beforehand. The lack of handshake at the toss was not a spontaneous act but an agreed protocol. By presenting it as a slight, PCB may have undermined its own case.

This perception matters because it frames the debate: Was Pakistan genuinely wronged, or was it playing to domestic audiences? That question is now at the heart of calls for withdrawal.

Possible Consequences of Withdrawal

While withdrawal might seem like a way to restore dignity, it would also carry risks:

Loss of Ranking Points and Revenue: Exiting a major tournament can result in financial penalties and loss of ICC ranking points.
Fan Backlash: Supporters expecting Pakistan to fight on the field might view withdrawal as quitting.
Isolation Risk: Frequent walkouts can reduce a team’s influence in international cricket politics.

Thus, while withdrawal is dramatic and attention-grabbing, it may also damage Pakistan’s long-term interests.

What Pakistan Could Do Instead

Some experts argue that rather than pulling out, Pakistan could:

Demand a public clarification from the ACC and ICC on protocol changes.
Focus on winning matches to regain control of the narrative.
Raise the issue at future ICC meetings instead of mid-tournament.

This approach could protect self-respect without jeopardizing competitive or commercial interests.

Conclusion

Pakistan is at a crossroads. After the ICC rejected its plea, emotions in the cricketing world are running high. Withdrawing from the Asia Cup 2025 would be a bold and defiant move aimed at preserving national dignity, but it could also hurt Pakistan’s cricketing future.

At the same time, the “handshake controversy” loses credibility if players were indeed informed about the protocol beforehand. That turns the issue into a self-inflicted drama rather than an act of disrespect.

Ultimately, the decision rests with Pakistan’s cricket authorities: will they stage a dramatic exit or regroup, refocus, and let performance on the field speak louder than controversy?