Overview

• India and Pakistan meet today in Dubai for their second Asia Cup encounter in eight days, with India unbeaten and Pakistan seeking a course correction after the group-stage loss.
• The Asian Cricket Council confirmed Pakistan canceled Saturday’s scheduled pre-match press conference at the team’s request, the second such cancellation during this tournament.
• Match referee Andy Pycroft remains in charge despite PCB protests; Pakistan says he apologized over the Sep 14 episode, while an ICC source told Al Jazeera there was no apology and no action was warranted.
• PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi visited the squad at the ICC Academy and the team has engaged a sports psychologist to help players manage pressure before the rematch.
• Pakistan previously considered withdrawal and delayed their UAE match by about an hour for talks, as the fallout from India’s no-handshake stance and related accusations continues to shadow the event.