The Asia Cup 2025 produced another fiery chapter in the rivalry between India-Pakistan on 14 September in the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Team India won a Seven-Wicket victory over Pakistan. But although the cricket result achieved the headlines, it was the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav and his team to use usual handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts that stole the spotlight.
Indian players refuse pre- and post-match hands with their Pakistani counterparts
The drama immediately started from the pitch when the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shook hand with the captain Salman Ali Agha van Pakistan – a movement that initially attracted little attention, given that he had also skipped the gesture against Captain Muhammad Wasemo in the tournament.
After winning the winning six and the sealed victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube, however, ran straight from the field to the Indian dressing room. The rest of the team followed and ignored Pakistani players who waited near the border for the traditional exchange of handshakes after the game.
To add to the spectacle, the whole team of Pakistan – led by Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson – waited in the stadium and expected the ritual. Instead, the Indian camp closed the doors of their dressing room, which indicates a clear refusal.
In his presentation after the game, Suryakumar Yadav devoted the victory to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the recent terror attack of Pahalgam. The decision not to shake hands was seen as a symbolic gesture in the midst of increased political and military tensions after surgery.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had only confirmed the participation of India on the Asia Cup after receiving the government. While the Sportministerie allowed participation in multilateral tournaments, bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains suspended.
Look too: High Drama unfolds while Team India Pakistan snubt in mail -match handshake on Asia Cup 2025
Suresh Raina responds to Team India’s refusal of handshake
Former India cricket player Suresh Raina has now fueled the debate with his explosive comments. Speaking with Sports Tak, Raina claimed that Indian players did not want to participate in Pakistan personally, suggesting that they were forced by guidelines from higher authorities.
“I know for sure one thing. If you ask the players personally, none of them want to play the Asia Cup. In a sense, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad. I am sad that India is playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that as a Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked, they have said, they have said. Said Raina.
His comments have fueled new conversations around the mental and emotional toll about players trapped between cricket obligations and public sentiment.
Boycott Belt in the middle of Asia Cup campaign
The Boycot story around this collision had the Indian dressing room restless before the game. While head coach Gautam Gambhir Allegedly, players has cited to concentrate on cricket and prevent distractions, the refusal of the team to exchange polite features has now strengthened the political undertone of the Asia Cup.
Interesting is that this can only be the beginning. With both India and Pakistan Strong contenders to reach the Super Four podium and possibly the final, fans can witness the two parties who face each other twice during the tournament.
Read also: Asia Cup 2025 Chief Coach Mike Hesson from Pakistan hits India’s ‘disappointing’ refusal of handshake after the game
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