Asia Cup Drama: India Follows Pakistan, Cancels Practice And Press Meet

The Asia Cup 2025 is heating up both on and off the field. After Pakistan canceled their training and media sessions, the Indian National Cricket team has done the same. This decision by both teams came after their high-voltage clash on September 14, 2025. 

The Indian National Cricket Team had a scheduled practice session ahead of their upcoming match against Oman, but the Indian Team also decided to skip their scheduled practice session and press meet, which raises questions about the tense atmosphere in the tournament. 

The Indian Team was set to practice for the three-hour session starting from 7:30 PM (IST) / 6 PM (Local). The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed through WhatsApp that the decision to cancel the scheduled practice session and press meet was to give rest to the players.

BCCI on the Cancellation of the Practice Session and Press Meet:

“Please note there will be no media and practice session tomorrow. It is a rest day. Will convey practice and PC time for the pre-match Press Conference for Thursday later.”

https://x.com/dna/status/1968201887431397514

Pakistan had done the same earlier:

It is quite interesting that this move by the BCCI comes just after Pakistan's decision to cancel their own practice and press meet. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had stated that their players needed mental rest and time to regroup before their important group stage match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Controversy After the India vs Pakistan Match:

During the India vs Pakistan match, the stadium accidentally played a Bollywood song “Jalebi baby” instead of the official national anthem. Also, Indian Skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan's Captain Salman Ali Agha.

After the game, none of the Indian players shook hands with the Pakistani players, which led to a formal complaint from PCB to the International Cricket Council (ICC). PCB also demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft for informing Pakistan’s skipper, Salman Ali Agha, not to shake hands.

It needs to be mentioned, the BCCI defends its players, saying that, handshake is a goodwill gesture, but not a mandatory rule. 

However, ICC rejected the complaint of the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. This decision led PCB into anger, and they threatened to boycott the match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE). 

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