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Pakistan's threat to withdraw from the Asia Cup over a referee dispute could cost them millions in revenue, potentially jeopardising their financial stability within the Asian Cricket Council. This potential decision, driven by PCB chief Naqvi's criticism of the match referee, risks a significant loss from broadcast deals and sponsorships.

Mohammad Yousuf, the former Pakistani batter, sparked controversy by using disrespectful language towards India's Suryakumar Yadav during a panel discussion. He also accused the Indian cricket board of exerting undue influence, citing the Asia Cup handshake incident. The ICC rejected PCB's demand to remove the match referee, further fuelling the tensions after India's victory.

The ICC rejected PCB's request to replace match referee Andy Pycroft during the Asia Cup after Pakistan alleged he instructed their captain to avoid handshakes with India's captain. The ICC clarified that ACC officials informed Pycroft about the no-handshake policy.

​​The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is unlikely to withdraw from the Asia Cup 2025, despite rising tensions over the role of match referee Andy Pycroft during Pakistan’s match against India in Dubai on Sunday. Match referee Pycroft had asked Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav to skip the customary handshake at the toss.

The former Sports Minister, Anurag Thakur explained why India will play Pakistan in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 tournament.

Afghanistan's Rashid Khan and Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka voiced their concerns regarding the Asia Cup 2025's scheduling and logistics. Rashid highlighted the inconvenience of traveling between Dubai and Abu Dhabi for matches. Asalanka expressed fatigue from back-to-back games and emphasized the need for recovery time amidst the extreme heat.

The Asia Cup, traditionally an ODI tournament since 1984, made a significant shift in 2016 by adopting the T20I format. This change, driven by the ACC's restructuring and a new rotational format aligning with ICC events, saw India emerge victorious against Bangladesh in the final.

The 2025 Asia Cup, amidst geopolitical tensions, will be held in the UAE from September 9-28. India and Pakistan have announced their squads, but past withdrawals due to political strife cast a shadow. Pakistan pulled out in 1990-91, and India in 1986. This year, India is in Group A with Pakistan, UAE, and Oman.