skywritg.com – Today’s Pulse & News Briefings

Sri Lankan spinner Dunith Wellalage experienced a devastating personal loss after his team's Asia Cup victory over Afghanistan. Unaware of his father's passing in Colombo, the 22-year-old learned the tragic news post-match. Despite a tough bowling performance, his teammates secured the win, but Wellalage immediately left the squad to return home.

The Asia Cup is marred by a handshake controversy following India's victory over Pakistan, escalating with Mohammad Amir's veiled critique of the Indian team via a social media post praising Virat Kohli. This incident led to scheduling disruptions, including a delayed Pakistan-UAE match due to PCB's concerns over the match referee.

Kuldeep Yadav has become the heartbeat of India’s white-ball success, delivering crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs. From battling injuries, form slumps, and bench time to reinventing his craft post knee surgery, Kuldeep is sharper and more resilient. As India chases more silverware, their wrist-spinner, will remain the ace up the side's sleeve.

Amidst uncertainty surrounding Pakistan's Asia Cup participation, the PCB demanded match referee Andy Pycroft's removal, alleging code of conduct violations during the India-Pakistan match, specifically regarding the captains not shaking hands. Despite PCB's threats and ACC's involvement, the ICC stood firm, asserting Pycroft followed ACC instructions and didn't violate any rules.

The match started an hour late as Pakistan threatened a pull-out after the handshake fiasco during the previous game against India before Salman Agha's team climbed down and showed up for the game.

A major standoff threatened Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match against UAE after the ICC refused to replace match referee Andy Pycroft, despite PCB objections over his handling of the 'no-handshake' controversy with India. Initial uncertainty saw Pakistan delaying their departure for the game, and the ACC even deleted posts about the match.

The Asia Cup 2025 group stage intensifies as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan vie for Super 4 spots from Group B. Bangladesh's fate hinges on Afghanistan's clash with Sri Lanka, a virtual knockout. In Group A, India advances, while Pakistan and UAE face a decisive match for the remaining spot, promising high-stakes drama.

The Pakistan Cricket Board is contemplating withdrawing from the Asia Cup due to a dispute over match referee Andy Pycroft following the India-Pakistan match. Pakistan demands Pycroft's removal, accusing him of mishandling the no-handshake incident and Suryakumar Yadav's dedication of the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Rashid Khan etched his name in Asia Cup T20I history, surpassing Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the highest wicket-taker with 14 wickets. His achievement came during Afghanistan's match against Bangladesh, where he took 2 crucial wickets. Despite a strong start from Bangladesh, Afghanistan's bowlers, including Rashid, restricted them to 154/5, showcasing their prowess in the tournament.

Bangladesh defeated Afghanistan by eight runs in a crucial Asia Cup match, boosting their chances for Super Fours qualification. After limiting Bangladesh to 154, Afghanistan faltered in their chase, getting bowled out for 146. Excellent fielding and dominant powerplay performances were key for Bangladesh, along with Tanzid Hasan's quickfire 52.

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.

Following India's victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, a controversy arose when the Indian team refused to shake hands, dedicating their win to armed forces after a terror attack. The PCB filed a complaint with the ICC, alleging the match referee Andy Pycroft instructed captains against shaking hands.

Sourav Ganguly dismissed the India-Pakistan Asia Cup clash as one-sided, preferring to watch the Manchester derby. He cited a decline in Pakistan's team quality, stating the match no longer holds the competitive edge it once did. Ganguly also addressed the handshake controversy, emphasizing the need to end terrorism globally while deflecting questions about the players' actions to Suryakumar Yadav.

Pakistan Cricket Board is in a standoff with the International Cricket Council. This follows a handshake controversy with the Indian team. PCB threatens to boycott their Asia Cup match against UAE. They demand the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft. If Pakistan withdraws, they will be eliminated. India has already qualified for the Super 4s.

UAE defeated Oman by 42 runs in a crucial Asia Cup Super Four qualifier, fueled by Muhammad Waseem's 69 and Alishan Sharafu's 51. Junaid Siddique's impressive 4/23 restricted Oman to 130. After losing their opening matches, this victory keeps UAE's hopes alive for the next stage.

The handshake row between India and Pakistan spiraled on Monday, with former captain Rashid Latif delivering a fiery outburst. Urging the Pakistan Cricket Board to lodge an official complaint, Latif accused India of “bringing politics into cricket” after refusing handshakes in Dubai, while Shoaib Akhtar called on India to “show grace” despite praising their win.

The India–Pakistan T20I ended in controversy after Suryakumar Yadav refused handshakes, citing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan lodged a protest, alleging a breach of sportsmanship, while Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation.

Suryakumar Yadav led India to a comfortable victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, securing their second consecutive win. India's bowlers, particularly the spin trio, restricted Pakistan to a low score, which India chased down with ease. Suryakumar emphasized the team's focus on cricket, avoiding distractions and why they skipped post-match handshakes.

India's Asia Cup victory over Pakistan was marred by controversy as Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, expressed disappointment over India's refusal to shake hands post-match. Despite Suryakumar Yadav's match-winning performance and dedication of the win to armed forces, the absence of the customary handshake and an anthem mix-up added fuel to the rivalry.

A fresh chapter unfolds in the India-Pakistan rivalry as veteran players step aside, paving the way for emerging talents. This Sunday in Dubai, new faces like Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Sahibzada Farhan, and Saim Ayub will take center stage.