Asia Cup 2025 Handshake Saga Stirs Debate
Dubai: The Pakistan–India rivalry at the Asia Cup 2025 has taken a fresh twist as Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav again skipped the traditional handshake with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha during the Super Four toss at Dubai International Stadium.
Yadav chose to bowl first and walked past the Pakistani skipper directly to Ravi Shastri for the pre-match talk, mirroring a similar snub from the group stage that attracted huge public and media attention.
The “handshake saga” follows tensions from India’s earlier political remarks during a post-match ceremony, described by critics as damaging to the spirit of cricket. Match referee Andy Pycroft reportedly advised both teams to avoid the customary handshake, which nearly pushed the Pakistan Cricket Board to withdraw from the tournament. Asia Cup 2025 Pak vs India
According to PCB sources, the situation was defused only after Pycroft admitted mishandling the issue and expressed regret. However, the International Cricket Council has yet to launch a formal investigation, frustrating the PCB.
Heading into the high-stakes match, India remains unbeaten with three group-stage wins, while Pakistan managed victories against UAE and Oman but lost to India last Sunday. The Pakistan squad also canceled its scheduled pre-match press conference without explanation.
India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan on September 14 was their first clash since a four-day armed conflict in May left over 70 dead, adding further intensity to the contest.
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