Pakistan Leave For UAE Clash Following PCB Chief's Directives

LAHORE: The Pakistan squad left their hotel for the Dubai International Cricket Stadium after clear instructions from PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. The order was issued earlier in the day to ensure the team’s timely arrival for the much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match.

The impending clash between Pakistan and the UAE had already been postponed by one hour, as the boards were maneuvering behind the scenes to address the issue arising out of the tense handshake incident in the India-Pakistan faceoff on September 14.

PCB spokesperson Amir Mir confirmed the delay, saying that consultations were being done at various levels to stabilize the situation. Naqvi also met with senior cricketing figures as negotiations were going on with the local organizers in Dubai.

The tension ensued after India beat Pakistan in their Group A match, in which Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked away without shaking hands with Pakistan players who were still in line. This has raised new controversy over the spirit of the game, and since then, the next match of Pakistan has been plunged into the shadows by this incident.

Even after this off-field controversy, the Pakistan team is still focused on their fight with the UAE. The battle is anticipated to attract massive interest on and off the field, as Pakistan has its campaign on the line.