Pakistan managed to keep its Asia Cup 2025 expectations alive despite all the plays made out of the field, as Salman Ali Aga’s team defeated UAE by 41 runs on 17 September and booked their place in Super 4S. The significant victory occurred after the days of stress, confusion and handshake controversy.
However, Pakistani players focused on and distributed when it matters the most. The trouble began after the India-Pakistan match on 14 September. India refused to join hands with Pakistan before and after the match in Dubai, which exploded in a storm away from the field.
Pakistan secured Asia Cup 2025 Super Four Spot Handshek controversy
Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had repeatedly approached the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding that the match referee Andy Pycroft was removed after the notorious No-Handshek incident against India. The ICC rejected these requests several times.
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The dispute created uncertainty on whether green men would also take the ground against the United Arab Emirates. The start of the game delayed as the PCB did not allow the player to leave for the venue, and it directly intervened himself from Andy Pycroft, who met the team management to clarify the cases, finally to allow the match to move forward on Wednesday.
Haris Rowf says that PCB drama is not my problem
Despite all the noise, Pakistan players were firm to focus only on cricket, and they proved it with a significant victory over the UAE. After Pakistan’s Super 4S qualification, Star Fast bowler Haris Rauf has clearly made it clear that PCB disputes were not his problem.
Haris Rauf said that his focus was on performing completely on the field, and the rest of the team ensured that off-field tension did not affect his game. Although Pakistan had to work hard, he managed to win 41 runs over UAE, in which Shaheen Afridi gave an all-round show.
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Haris Rauf said at the press conference after the match, “I was not feeling any pressure. It is not under my control. It is a decision for the board; it is their headache. For me, I had to play the match; I was focused on it. The management has taken things very well.”
Haris Rauf refused to compare the Asia Cup 2025 drama amid the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Mahima
This victory promoted the team’s morale after a huge defeat to India. Asked if these Pakistan squads could rise above chaos, the way the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy-winning team had crossed off-field distractions to raise the famous title, Rauf refused to comment.
Haris Rauf emphasized that the team’s strategy and selection decisions are the responsibility of the captains and coaches. He further said that the job of the players is to take maximum advantage of every opportunity given to him, and he focuses on it.
Haris Rauf signed, saying, “It’s not my domain to play and who does not – who is for coach and captain. As a player, if we get an opportunity, it is on us that it is to make the most.”
“For batsmen, I’m sure they are discussing things among themselves. We have a few days before the next game, so hopefully we can prepare well.”
