Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan Seeks to Manage Pressure in Anticipation of India Match, Implementing Support Measures

With the highly anticipated India versus Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four stage drawing near, taking place at the Dubai International Stadium, Pakistan is taking steps to manage the mounting pressure. PCB chairman and ACC president Mohsin Naqvi visited the ICC Academy nets to uplift the team’s morale, while the board launched a comprehensive stress-management program. This program includes motivational consultant Dr. Raheel Ahmed, who has been providing one-on-one and small group sessions to the players during the group stage. His efforts have been particularly focused on the younger players, many of whom have struggled with the psychological demands of facing India. The team’s cancellation of press conferences has fueled speculation regarding the camp’s atmosphere. The previous match saw Pakistan lose by seven wickets, being dismissed for 128 runs. A subsequent ‘no-handshake’ episode occurred, as the Indian players declined to shake hands, with Suryakumar Yadav citing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. This led to the PCB’s dissatisfaction, questioning referee Andy Pycroft over the handshake directive. The board considered withdrawing from the tournament, but the ICC denied this. Pakistan almost pulled out, only gaining clearance after internal discussions. The controversy deepened after a leaked clip of Pycroft’s pre-match conversation with the Pakistan camp surfaced online. The PCB interpreted it as an apology, but the ICC clarified that the referee was simply aiming to clear up misunderstandings. The governing body also issued a formal warning to the PCB for multiple protocol violations.