Pakistan was able to live out hopes of the Asian Cup 2025 despite all the drama that has left the field. The key victory came after days of tension, confusion and handshake controversy.
However, Pakistani players remained focused and delivered at the most important times. The issue began on September 14th after the India-Pakistan match. India refused to shake hands with Pakistan before and after the match in Dubai.
Pakistan secures Asian Cup 2025 Super Four Spot after handshake controversy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has since repeatedly contacted the International Cricket Council (ICC) in demanding that the match of Judge Andy Paicroft be removed after the infamous no-handshake incident against India. The ICC rejected these requests multiple times.
Your daily cricket dosage!
Also Read: After Embarrassing Andy Paicroft, PCB begins to ask the ICC to investigate the India-Pakistan match
The controversy has created uncertainty about whether Green’s men would take the field against the United Arab Emirates. The start of the game was delayed as the PCB did not allow players to depart for the venue. And direct intervention was required from Andy Picroft himself, who met with the team managers, to clarify the issue.
Harris Rauf says PCB dramas aren’t my problem
Despite all the noise, the Pakistani players decided to focus solely on cricket, and proved it with a key victory over the UAE. After Pakistan’s Super 4S qualification, star first bowler Harris Rauv revealed that the PCB dispute was not his issue.
Harris Rauf said his attention was only paying attention to his performance on the field, and the rest of the team ensured that off-field tensions would not affect their game. However, Pakistan had to fight hard, but they managed to secure a 41-run victory over the United Arab Emirates.
Also Read: Pakistan takes U-turn again and calls ICC meeting to remove Andy Paicroft from the Asian Cup after UAE match
“I wasn’t under pressure. This is not my control. These are the decisions of the board. That’s their headache. For me, I had to play the game,” Harris Rauf said at a post-match press conference.
Harris Rauf refuses to compare it to the glory of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
This victory boosted the team’s morale after a huge loss to India. When asked if this Pakistani team could rise above the mixed chaos, the way the team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy overcame off-field distractions to lift the famous title declined to comment.
Harris Rauf emphasized that team strategy and choice decisions are the responsibility of the captain and coach. He further stated that the player’s job is to make the most of every opportunity they have been given, and he focuses on the same.
“It’s not my realm to talk about who plays and who won’t. It’s for the coaches and captains. As players, if you get the opportunity, it’s us that makes the most of it,” Harris Rauf said.
“As for the batsman, I’m sure they’re talking about things between them. It’s a few days before the next game, so hopefully they’ll be ready.”