The Asia Cup 2025 produced yet another fiery chapter in the India-Pakistan rivalry on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Team India clinched a commanding seven-wicket win over Pakistan. But while the cricketing result drew headlines, it was the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav and his team to engage in customary handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts that stole the spotlight.
Indian players refuse pre and post-match handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts
The drama began right from the toss when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha – a move that initially drew little attention, given that he also skipped the gesture against UAE captain Muhammad Waseem earlier in the tournament.
However, after hitting the winning six and sealing victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube walked straight off the field into the Indian dressing room. The rest of the team followed suit, ignoring Pakistan players who were waiting near the boundary for the traditional exchange of post-match handshakes.
To add to the spectacle, Pakistan’s entire squad – led by Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson – waited in the stadium, expecting the ritual. Instead, the Indian camp closed the doors of their dressing room, signaling a clear refusal.
In his post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision not to shake hands was seen as a symbolic gesture amid heightened political and military tensions following Operation Sindoor.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had confirmed India’s participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving government clearance. While the Sports Ministry allowed participation in multilateral tournaments, bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains suspended.
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Suresh Raina reacts to Team India’s refusal of handshake
Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has now stirred debate with his explosive remarks. Speaking to Sports Tak, Raina claimed that Indian players personally did not want to participate against Pakistan, suggesting they were compelled by directives from higher authorities.
“I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none of them wants to play the Asia Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad that India are playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have said no. None of them wanted to play,” Raina stated.
His comments have sparked fresh conversations around the mental and emotional toll on players who are caught between cricketing commitments and public sentiment.
Boycott calls amid Asia Cup campaign
The boycott narrative surrounding this clash had already unsettled the Indian dressing room before the match. While head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly urged players to focus on cricket and avoid distractions, the team’s refusal to exchange pleasantries has now amplified political undertones of the Asia Cup.
Interestingly, this could be just the beginning. With both India and Pakistan strong contenders to reach the Super Four stage and possibly the final, fans may witness the two sides facing each other up to two more times during the tournament.
