Last Updated on 2 days by Charbel Coorey
Prominent commentator Harsha Bhogle has sparked further reactions in light of Pakistan potentially boycotting the Asia Cup. Their match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was delayed by an hour as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was strongly considering boycotting the tournament, according to Pakistani media reports.
PCB Chairman and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Maqvi met with former chairs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi in Lahore after the International Cricket Council (ICC) confirmed Andy Pycroft will referee the match. This was a disappointing move in the eyes of the PCB following the non-handshake saga against India, with Pakistan of the belief Pycroft had a central role.
Soon after, Naqvi confirmed Pakistan would travel to the Dubai International Stadium to play the UAE, despite Pycroft’s role as match referee. Bhogle didn’t mince his words, claiming Pakistan don’t have the standing to force any ultimatums.
“The lesson for all of us is that you must never issue an ultimatum you cannot enforce. It makes you look weak,” he wrote on X.
Ihtisham Ul Haq then released a video of team management speaking with Pycroft. According to the journalist, Pycroft apologised. Other reports suggest the PCB were looking at a fine of approximately US$16 million had they boycotted. However, the video had no sound and the conversation is yet to be verified.
Harsha Bhogle minces no words about Pakistan potentially boycotting the Asia Cup
Bhogle’s post generated 1.2 million impressions within 12 hours. Tension continues to grow between fans of the two teams ahead of their second meeting in the 2025 Asia Cup, this time in the Super Four stage on Sunday 21st September. Here are some of the reactions.
In the match itself, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 93/6 in the 16th over and 110/7 in the 17th. Of the top eight batters, only Fakhar Zaman (50 off 36 balls) found any rhythm. It was Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 14-ball 29* that proved crucial in the end, taking Pakistan to 146/9 – a total that proved 41 too many for the UAE.
