35 years ago, Pakistan boycotted the Asia Cup; find out why

Asia Cup: In the highly anticipated Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan, played on September 14th, the Indian team performed brilliantly and defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets. This was Team India's second consecutive victory in the tournament, further boosting their confidence. However, the Indian players' refusal to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the match has sparked a new controversy. This "no handshake" controversy is now escalating and has become a new source of tension between the two countries.

Boycott of Asia Cup 

In this matter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a formal complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, demanding his removal from the Asia Cup refereeing panel. The PCB alleges that the referee failed to take any action against the Indian players for their behavior. The board even threatened to boycott the Asia Cup and not take the field in the next match against the UAE if the referee was not removed.

Pakistan Threatens Asia Cup Boycott

However, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has rejected the PCB's demand and clarified that Andy Pycroft will remain in his role. Angered by this decision, the Pakistani team has reportedly decided to boycott the tournament. While this has not yet been officially confirmed, the Pakistani players have not left their hotels, and it is believed that the Pakistan vs. UAE match may be postponed.

The name was withdrawn in 1990-91

This isn't the first time Pakistan has threatened to boycott the Asia Cup. They've done so once before in history. In 1990-91, Pakistan withdrew from the Asia Cup in India due to rising military tensions between India and Pakistan over the Siachen Glacier. India won the title that tournament.

History Repeats in Asia Cup

Similarly, in 1993, political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries escalated to the point where the entire Asia Cup was canceled. The tournament was later held in Sharjah, UAE, in 1995. Interestingly, India also boycotted the Asia Cup in Sri Lanka in 1986 due to security concerns, when the country was experiencing a civil war and LTTE activities were at their peak. In this way, India-Pakistan cricket dispute is not new, but this time the “no handshake” controversy can have a serious impact on the tournament.