Pakistan skip press conference again, ahead of India clash

Pakistan have once again skipped a pre-match press conference at the Asia Cup today, their second no-show of the tournament.

Another high-voltage India–Pakistan clash is set for tomorrow in Dubai in the tournament's Super Four stage. On the eve of the match, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav attended the official media session, but the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) informed that no Pakistan representative would appear before the press.

When asked for the reason, Pakistan's media manager declined to comment. Earlier in the tournament, before their game against the United Arab Emirates, the team also refused to attend the scheduled pre-match press conference, even threatening to boycott the match unless referee Andy Pycroft was replaced. That game eventually went ahead but began an hour late—an almost unheard-of scenario in ACC or ICC events.

Tensions have already been high between the two rivals. Last Sunday, Pakistan suffered a heavy defeat against India in the group stage. After the match, Indian players declined to shake hands with their opponents, prompting Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to boycott the prize distribution ceremony.