The Asia Cup 2025 presented yet another captivating chapter in the India-Pakistan contest on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Ground, where the Indian squad secured a convincing seven-wicket victory against Pakistan. However, although the cricket outcome was the main news, it was the choice of Suryakumar Yadav and his team not to participate in customary greetings with their Pakistani rivals that became a focal point.
Indian players refuse pre and post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts
The situation unfolded right from the coin toss when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav opted not to shake hands with Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha – an action that initially garnered little attention, considering that he also avoided the gesture with UAE’s captain, Muhammad Waseem, earlier in the competition.
However, after hitting the winning six and confirming the victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube went directly off the field into the Indian dressing room. The rest of the team followed, disregarding Pakistani players who were present near the boundary for the customary exchange of post-match greetings.
Adding to the scenario, Pakistan’s entire team – led by Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson – remained in the stadium, anticipating the ritual. Instead, the Indian side closed the doors of their dressing room, signaling a clear rejection.
During his post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and conveyed sympathy to victims of the recent Pahalgam terror incident. The choice not to shake hands was interpreted as a symbolic gesture amid increased political and military tensions after Operation Sindoor.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had only confirmed India’s participation in the Asia Cup after receiving authorization from the government. While the Sports Ministry permitted participation in multilateral competitions, bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains on hold.
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Suresh Raina reacts to Team India’s refusal of handshake
Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina has now sparked discussion with his notable statements. Speaking to Sports Tak, Raina suggested that Indian players individually did not desire to compete against Pakistan, implying they were obliged by instructions from higher-level authorities.
“I am certain of one thing. If you were to ask the players individually, none of them would want to participate in the Asia Cup. In some ways, they are being compelled because the BCCI has approved it. I find it unfortunate that India is playing against Pakistan, but I can also say confidently that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players were asked for their individual opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have declined. None of them were willing to play,” Raina remarked.
His comments have renewed discussions regarding the mental and emotional strain on players who find themselves amidst sporting obligations and public sentiment.
Boycott calls amid Asia Cup campaign
The boycott conversation surrounding this match had already unsettled the Indian team before the game. While head coach Gautam Gambhir supposedly urged players to concentrate on cricket and avoid distractions, the team’s choice not to exchange greetings has now highlighted political implications of the Asia Cup.
Intriguingly, this could just be the start. With both India and Pakistan strong possibilities to progress to the Super Four stage and potentially the final, fans might see the two sides competing against each other up to two more times during the competition.
