Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi remained tight-lipped about Pakistan’s decision to skip two back-to-back press conferences in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
After cancelling their pre-match press conference ahead of the UAE game, Pakistan once again did not address the media before their next match against arch-rivals India. No reason or explanation has been given by the PCB or any of its members.
When Naqvi, who is also head of the Asian Cricket Council, was asked about the boycott of press conferences by the Pakistan team, he said, “…we’ll talk soon.”
This could indicate that the PCB may address the media once again, as they did in Lahore before the UAE game.
While they avoided the routine pre-match press conference, the Men in Green turned up for practice on Saturday evening. Naqvi paid a visit to the ICC Academy where Pakistan were practising.
“I just went there to encourage the players. Meeting with the players and management was great,” said Naqvi about his surprise visit. “Players’ morale has been boosted ahead of important matches. I hope and pray that the team plays very well in the upcoming matches.”
Since the last India-Pakistan game on 14 September, much has happened off the field. The PCB caused a stir following the handshake saga. Andy Pycroft was accused of bias towards India by the PCB, but the Zimbabwean was cleared by the ICC despite several failed attempts by the Pakistan board to have him removed from the tournament.
There will be a lot of pressure on Pakistan players to beat India in the upcoming reverse fixture.
Reportedly, to ease nerves, Pakistan have secured the services of Dr Raheel Kareem, a psychiatrist. He will help players handle the immense pressure and psychological toll ahead of the high-stakes rematch.
A new chapter in the rivalry will be written as Pakistan and India lock horns in Dubai once again on Sunday.
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