Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan cancels press conference before UAE clash; India sweats it out in stifling Dubai heat

Pakistan cancelled its pre-match conference ahead of its must-win Asia Cup contest against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Dubai on Wednesday but practised at the same International Cricket Council (ICC) Academy premises — as India — in the wake of the handshake controversy.

The air was tense amidst speculation that Pakistan could pull out of its match against the UAE after the ICC rejected the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) plea to remove match referee Andy Pycroft, who had reportedly informed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha ahead of the match against India that there would be no handshake at the toss with his counterpart Suryakumar Yadav.

As things stand, Pycroft is slated to officiate the game between Pakistan and the UAE on Wednesday, which is a virtual shootout for a spot in the Super Fours, and for which India has already qualified after back-to-back wins in the tournament.

India began its training session at 6 p.m. local time and sweated it out for three hours in stifling heat, while the Pakistani contingent warmed up with a 20-minute light-hearted session of footie at around 8 p.m.

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With India just losing a total of four wickets across its comprehensive wins over the UAE and Pakistan, middle-order batters Sanju Samson, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya had a hit in the open nets first, followed by Shubman Gill and Suryakumar.

Harshit Rana chanced his arm, smashing a few lusty blows, including one over extra-cover that was headed towards Ground 1, where the Pakistan team was training.

Considering the Indian bowlers have spent a significant amount of time on the middle, they had a relatively light workout.

Given the hot and humid conditions, pace ace Jasprit Bumrah may be rested for the match against Oman, scheduled for Friday, as India could potentially play Pakistan again in a high-voltage clash on Sunday in the Super Fours.

Published on Sep 16, 2025

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