Asia Cup 2025 was supposed to be about cricket, but Pakistan turned it into a full-blown 'nautanki'. What started with a handshake controversy against India quickly spiraled into days of chaos, accusations, and face-saving theatrics by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). But peel back the drama, and one number explains it all: $16 million (₹140 crore).
The Handshake Controversy
It all began on September 14, when
India refused post-match handshakes with Pakistan. In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the presentation ceremony, while coach Mike Hesson voiced disappointment. What could have ended there turned into a saga.
Targeting Match Referee Andy Pycroft
On September 15, PCB’s team manager Naveed Cheema filed a complaint with the ICC, accusing referee Andy Pycroft of siding with India. They even demanded his removal from the tournament.
When the
ICC rejected the claim the next day, Pakistan doubled down. They canceled their pre-match press conference but bizarrely sent another letter pressing for Pycroft’s removal.
Threats, Delays and ‘Sorry’ Drama
By September 17, Pakistan’s theatrics peaked. Reports emerged that they were considering boycotting their match against UAE because Pycroft remained referee. The team refused to leave their hotel, while PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi held crisis meetings with former chiefs Ramiz Raja and Najam Sethi.
Eventually, Naqvi tweeted that the team would play. Just before the toss, Pakistan’s management met Pycroft in a carefully staged, but silent, video. PCB claimed Pycroft had “apologised” for miscommunication, and the matter was closed with a token sorry.
The Real Reason: $16 Million at Stake
So why all this drama? Simple. Pulling out of the Asia Cup would have cost Pakistan $16 million in revenue share, equivalent to 450 CR PKR. That kind of money was never going to be left behind, which is why the so-called crisis ended as quickly as it began.
A Manufactured Controversy
From handshake snubs to blaming an ICC referee, the PCB’s actions looked less like protest and more like manufactured row to save face after India refused to shake hands with their players on Sep 14. In the end, the ICC stood firm, India remained unfazed, and Pakistan succeeded only in embarrassing themselves on the global stage.
