Pakistan may deliver 'political message' if they beat India in Asia Cup Super Four: Report

India and Pakistan are gearing up for a high-stakes rematch in the Asia Cup Super Four on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium, with fresh controversy brewing after last week’s “no-handshake” incident. A media report suggests that Pakistan may deliver a “political message” should they succeed in avenging their seven-wicket group-stage defeat.

The PCB was reportedly furious after Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following the group match. India’s skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, later explained the move as a gesture of solidarity with the families of the 26 victims of the Pakistan-backed Pahalgam terror attack in April. The row escalated quickly, with the PCB even threatening to pull out of the tournament when the ICC dismissed their request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, whom they accused of fuelling the handshake controversy.

According to Reports, speculation grew after PCB chairman Naqvi made a surprise visit to the squad’s training session at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Saturday. Following brief interactions with the players, Naqvi held an animated discussion with head coach Mike Hesson before calling over captain Salman Agha. Some players were even overheard chanting “6-0,” a reference linked to the disputed claim that six Indian Air Force jets were shot down during Operation Sindoor in May.

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The report also mentioned Naqvi’s meeting with ICC officials after the governing body issued a stern letter to the PCB for breaching Players and Match Officials Area (PMOA) protocol during their group match against the UAE. The ICC reprimanded the PCB for recording a private conversation with Pycroft in his office before the match. While the PCB maintained that Pycroft had apologised to Salman Agha, Mike Hesson, and team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, the ICC clarified the meeting was simply meant to address miscommunication over the handshake saga.

Amid the mounting tensions, Pakistan’s team management cancelled their pre-match press conference—just as they had done before the UAE clash.