Calls for a boycott of the match had already been raised in the buildup, and the post-match conduct from the Indian side made their stance unmistakably clear. “We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship," said Suryakumar Yadav
On the field, India delivered a clinical performance, cruising to a seven-wicket victory to stay at the top of Group A (Pic: AFP)
The high-stakes India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 turned into a politically charged affair with powerful symbolism, as Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, chose not to engage in the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistani players.
While handshakes are typically a routine gesture of sportsmanship after any international cricket match, India’s decision to abstain broke with tradition, and spoke volumes.
It followed weeks of political tension, fuelled by the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of Indian civilians. In response, India had launched ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror bases across the border. Calls for a boycott of the match had already been raised in the buildup, and the post-match conduct from the Indian side made their stance unmistakably clear.
“We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in 'Operation Sindoor' and stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” said sSuryakumar in the post-match media interaction.
The Indian squad’s decision had visible ramifications on the Pakistani camp. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha chose to boycott the post-match presentation ceremony entirely. Their head coach, Mike Hesson, confirmed that the decision was a direct reaction to India's conduct.
“We wanted to shake hands but were disappointed that the opposition didn't do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands,” Hesson told reporters.
Further fuelling the controversy, a video has since gone viral showing an Indian squad member closing the dressing room door as Pakistani players remained on the field, waiting for the traditional post-match interaction.
Pakistan waited for handshake but India went to the dressing room and closed the doors- Brutual 🔥💥 pic.twitter.com/sLEwce80DD
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) September 14, 2025
On the field, however, India delivered a clinical performance, cruising to a seven-wicket victory to stay at the top of Group A. Chasing a modest target of 128, the Indian side completed the job in just 15.5 overs, with Suryakumar top-scoring with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls. Earlier, Pakistan had managed only 127 for 9, despite a late flourish from Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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