Pakistan once again cancelled their pre-match press conference, scheduled on the eve of their big-ticket Asia Cup clash against India on Sunday, September 21.
As per the schedule issued by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), a Pakistan player or a member of the coaching staff was due to address the media at 6 pm local time on Saturday. However, the press conference was cancelled, with no reason given by the team.
This marks the second match in a row that Pakistan opted out of their customary pre-match media duties, having also skipped the press conference ahead of their last Group A clash against the UAE.
Members of the Pakistan team have been largely avoiding media interactions since tensions emerged during their group match against India, played on September 14. In that match, members of the Indian team avoided post-match handshakes and refrained from any interaction with the Pakistan side. As a result, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.
Head coach Mike Hesson later attended the press conference and condemned India’s post-match act. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s team manager lodged an official complaint against India with Match Referee Andy Pycroft. No action was taken against India, prompting the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to write to the International Cricket Council (ICC), accusing Pycroft of bias. The ICC rejected the PCB’s initial appeal, which led to a second appeal by the board.
During the match against the UAE, proceedings were delayed due to the Pakistan team arriving late. Pycroft officiated as match referee in that game and he has also been confirmed to serve as match referee for the upcoming India-Pakistan encounter.
Although they cancelled the press conference, the Pakistan team’s training will go ahead as scheduled in the evening at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
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