Pakistan Cricket Board’s former chief Najam Sethi has disclosed that the national team came close to withdrawing from the Asia Cup following a heated controversy. The revelation sheds light on behind-the-scenes tensions that nearly derailed the tournament and highlighted strained relations on and off the field.

Dispute Emerges During Asia Cup Match

According to Sethi, the controversy began when Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during the competition. This incident escalated into a larger conflict, with Pakistan expressing strong dissatisfaction over what was perceived as unsportsmanlike conduct. The matter quickly moved beyond player interactions and became a point of contention between cricket boards.

PCB’s Strong Reaction to Match Referee

The situation intensified when Pakistan demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. The board viewed his handling of the matter as unacceptable and made it clear that his continuation in the role was not acceptable to them. This demand underscored how seriously Pakistan regarded the incident and reflected their willingness to take drastic measures if their concerns were not addressed.

Threat of Withdrawal from Tournament

Najam Sethi revealed that at one stage, Pakistan considered pulling out of the Asia Cup altogether. Discussions within the PCB leadership centered on whether continuing in the tournament was viable under such circumstances. The possibility of withdrawal was not merely symbolic; it was actively debated at the highest level of cricket administration in Pakistan.

Crisis Meeting Held by PCB Leadership

On September 17, PCB chairmen convened to deliberate on this critical issue. During this meeting, officials weighed the consequences of leaving the competition against standing firm on their demands. The deliberations highlighted both the seriousness of Pakistan’s stance and how close they came to making a decision that could have reshaped the tournament’s outcome.

Sethi’s Perspective on Tournament Value

In recounting these events, Najam Sethi expressed frustration with how matters unfolded, even going so far as to remark dismissively about the value of continuing in such a tournament under those conditions. His comments reflect both personal disillusionment and institutional frustration within Pakistani cricket circles at that time.

The disclosure by Najam Sethi provides rare insight into how fragile international tournaments can become when disputes extend beyond sporting competition into questions of respect, fairness, and governance. While Pakistan ultimately did not withdraw from the Asia Cup, this episode illustrates how quickly tensions can escalate in high-profile cricketing rivalries and how administrative decisions can carry consequences far beyond the boundary lines.