The Asia Cup 2025 produced yet one more fiery chapter within the India-Pakistan rivalry on September 14 on the Dubai Worldwide Cricket Stadium, the place Crew India clinched a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan. However whereas the cricketing end result drew headlines, it was the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav and his crew to have interaction in customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts that stole the highlight.
Indian gamers refuse pre and post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts
The drama started proper from the toss when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake fingers with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha – a transfer that originally drew little consideration, on condition that he additionally skipped the gesture in opposition to UAE captain Muhammad Waseem earlier within the event.
Nevertheless, after hitting the successful six and sealing victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube walked straight off the sphere into the Indian dressing room. The remainder of the crew adopted swimsuit, ignoring Pakistan gamers who had been ready close to the boundary for the normal trade of post-match handshakes.
So as to add to the spectacle, Pakistan’s whole squad – led by Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson – waited within the stadium, anticipating the ritual. As a substitute, the Indian camp closed the doorways of their dressing room, signaling a transparent refusal.
In his post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav devoted the victory to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the current Pahalgam terror assault. The choice to not shake fingers was seen as a symbolic gesture amid heightened political and navy tensions following Operation Sindoor.
The Board of Management for Cricket in India (BCCI) had confirmed India’s participation within the Asia Cup solely after receiving authorities clearance. Whereas the Sports activities Ministry allowed participation in multilateral tournaments, bilateral cricket with Pakistan stays suspended.
Suresh Raina reacts to Crew India’s refusal of handshake
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has now stirred debate together with his explosive remarks. Chatting with Sports activities Tak, Raina claimed that Indian gamers personally didn’t need to take part in opposition to Pakistan, suggesting they had been compelled by directives from increased authorities.
“I do know one factor for positive. Should you personally ask the gamers, none of them desires to play the Asia Cup. In a method, they’re compelled as a result of the BCCI has agreed to it. I’m unhappy that India are enjoying in opposition to Pakistan, however I can even say for a indisputable fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his gamers are requested about their private opinions about enjoying in opposition to Pakistan, they might have stated no. None of them wished to play,” Raina said.
His feedback have sparked recent conversations across the psychological and emotional toll on gamers who’re caught between cricketing commitments and public sentiment.
Boycott calls amid Asia Cup Marketing campaign
The boycott narrative surrounding this conflict had already unsettled the Indian dressing room earlier than the match. Whereas head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly urged gamers to give attention to cricket and keep away from distractions, the crew’s refusal to trade pleasantries has now amplified political undertones of the Asia Cup.
Apparently, this might be just the start. With each India and Pakistan robust contenders to succeed in the Tremendous 4 stage and probably the ultimate, followers might witness the 2 sides going through one another as much as two extra instances in the course of the event.
