Asia Cup: PCB chief meets Pakistan players before India clash
**Asia Cup: PCB Chief Meets Pakistan Players Ahead of India Clash**
*By Gaurav Tripathi | Sep 21, 2025 | 12:36 PM*
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi met the national cricket team at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Saturday, just before their much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash against India. Naqvi, who also serves as the head of the Asian Cricket Council, was present during Pakistan’s training session but refrained from addressing the media about the team’s decision to cancel their pre-match press conference.
### Media Silence Surrounding Pakistan Team Ahead of India Clash
The Pakistan cricket team has once again avoided media interaction ahead of their fixture against India. This marks the second consecutive time during the Asia Cup that the team has canceled a pre-match press conference, raising speculation about potential tensions within the squad. The move follows recent controversies, including India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan last Sunday, an encounter that was notably overshadowed by a handshake snub from Indian players.
### Press Conference Controversy: Naqvi’s Cryptic Response
When reporters approached Mohsin Naqvi as he left Pakistan’s net session at the ICC Academy, they questioned him about the team’s avoidance of the media. Naqvi simply smiled and declined to provide a direct answer. Pressed further, he responded vaguely, saying, “…we’ll talk soon.”
This response has fueled rumors that the PCB might organize another press conference to address ongoing issues — including the handshake controversy and recent exchanges with the International Cricket Council (ICC).
### Unanswered Questions Amidst ICC Clarification
Naqvi remained tight-lipped about the team’s media blackout despite mounting pressure and controversy. Earlier this week, he held a press briefing claiming that ICC match referee David Pycroft had apologized to the Pakistan camp over the handshake incident. However, the ICC later clarified that Pycroft’s meeting was merely intended to clear up a miscommunication regarding the situation.
As tensions simmer and questions remain unanswered, cricket fans worldwide await further updates ahead of this high-stakes Asia Cup encounter.
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