Tensions were already high before the group-stage clash, and things boiled over during the match. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav made headlines by deliberately avoiding a handshake with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha at the toss
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav made headlines by deliberately avoiding a handshake with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha at the toss
What began as a tense political backdrop to the India-Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 has now escalated into a full-blown off-field standoff.
In a latest development, a report by news agency PTI claims that the Indian team may boycott Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), during the presentation ceremony, should they successfully defend their title in the final on September 28 at the Dubai International Stadium.
Tensions were already high before the group-stage clash, and things boiled over during the match. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav made headlines by deliberately avoiding a handshake with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha at the toss. The same sentiment continued post-match when Suryakumar and teammate Shivam Dube walked straight off the field after securing a seven-wicket victory, declining to engage in the customary post-match handshake.
While the Pakistan team waited on the field, hoping to uphold the traditional sporting gesture, no Indian players returned. The gesture, reportedly a team decision, follows rising political tensions between the two nations after the Pahalgam terror attack in Kashmir earlier this year.
The reaction from the Pakistan camp was immediate. Agha boycotted the post-match presentation, and head coach Mike Hesson later stated that the team was disappointed by India's stance.
Subsequently, the PCB escalated the matter to the International Cricket Council (ICC), calling for the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who they allege instructed Salman to avoid initiating a handshake during the toss. In a formal letter, the PCB also threatened a potential boycott of the tournament if their concerns were not addressed.
The report also indicated that India's no-handshake policy will continue for the rest of the tournament, potentially affecting two more matches against Pakistan, one as early as Sunday in the Super Four stage, and possibly again in the final.
India currently top Group A with wins over UAE and Pakistan, and are set to face Oman on Friday. Pakistan, sitting second, will take on the UAE on Wednesday, hoping to secure a Super Four berth.
(With PTI inputs)
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