The upcoming India versus Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four, at the Dubai International Stadium, has prompted Pakistan to address the mental well-being of its players. PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi provided a morale boost by visiting the ICC Academy nets. Alongside this, the board introduced a new stress-management program for the team. The plan involves motivational consultant Dr. Raheel Ahmed, who has been working with players in individual and small group sessions since the group stage. The sessions are particularly aimed at supporting younger players who are facing the psychological pressures of high-stakes India matches. Adding to the pressure, the team canceled its pre-match media conference for the second time, raising questions about the team dynamics. In the previous match, Pakistan suffered a seven-wicket loss, being bowled out for 128. The ‘no-handshake’ controversy further added to the tension, as Indian players opted not to shake hands. This action was explained by skipper Suryakumar Yadav as a show of solidarity following the Pahalgam terror attack. The PCB expressed its concerns, questioning referee Andy Pycroft about the handshake situation. The board considered withdrawing from the tournament. The ICC twice denied the request to withdraw, and the team barely made it through the crisis. Tensions grew after a viral clip from Pycroft’s pre-match dialogue with the Pakistan camp. The PCB viewed it as an apology, but the ICC refuted this, clarifying that the referee aimed to address a misunderstanding. The ICC also sent a formal communication to the PCB citing protocol breaches.
