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The Asia Cup 2025 produced another burning chapter of the Rivalry of India-Pakistan on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Team India won a seven-wicker victory over Pakistan. But while the result of Cricket was the starter, it was the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav and his team to participate in hits accustomed to his Pakistani counterparts who stole the focus.
Indian players refuse in pre and post-pathate handbacks with their Pakistani counterparts
The drama began from the launch when the Indian pattern Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain, Salman Ali Agha, a movement that initially caught his attention, as he also skipped the gesture against the captain of the United Arab Emirates, Muhammad Waseem before the tournament.
However, after hitting six wins and sealing the victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube left the field directly to the Indian dressing room. The rest of the team followed the same, ignoring Pakistan players who were waiting near the limit for the traditional post-Party handback exchange.
To add to the show, the entire Pakistan squad, directed by Salman Ali Agha and the main coach Mike Hesson, waited for the stadium, waiting for the ritual. Instead, the Indian camp closed the doors of its locker room, which was a clear refusal.
In his presentation after the game, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed his solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision not to shake hands were seen as a symbolic gesture amid the increased political and military tensions after the Sindoor operation.
The Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI) had confirmed India’s participation in the Asia Cup only after receiving the Government’s authorization. While the sports ministry allowed participation in multilateral tournaments, the bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains suspended.
Suresh Raina reacts to India’s rejection in India
Former Indian cricket, Suresh Raina, has aroused the debate with his explosive statements. Speaking at Sports Tak, Raina stated that Indian players personally did not want to participate against Pakistan, which suggests that they were obliged by directives by the senior authorities.
“ I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none want to play in the Asia Cup.In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has accepted it.I am sad that India plays against Pakistan, but I can also say that by the way, Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would not have said. Raina stated.
His comments have caused new conversations around the mental and emotional toll of players who are trapped between Cricket’s commitments and public sentiment.
Boycott calls in the middle of the Asia Cup campaign
The boycott narration that surrounded this match had already unlocked the Indian dressing room before the game. While the main coach, Gautam Gambhir, urged players to focus on the cricket and avoiding distractions, the team’s refusal to exchange pleasures now has amplified the political supplies of the Asia Cup.
Interestingly, this could only be the beginning. With both Indian and Pakistan’s strong contestants to reach the Super Four phase and possibly in the final, fans can witness the two parties facing up to twice more during the tournament.
