India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav Skips Handshake, Dedicates Win to Armed Forces After Pahalgam Attack
India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai ended in controversy as Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused the customary post-match handshake with Pakistan’s players. The 35-year-old skipper not only hit the winning six to seal India’s seven-wicket win but also dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces, referencing the victims of the April Pahalgam terror attack.
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Suryakumar Yadav Sends a Strong Message
After India chased down Pakistan’s modest total of 127 runs, Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 47 off 37 balls. Speaking at the post-match presentation, he said:
“We stand with the families of the Pahalgam attack victims. Today’s victory is dedicated to our brave Armed Forces who fought during Operation Sindoor.”
Yadav’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan’s players was a symbolic protest. He confirmed that the choice was pre-decided but left the final call to his teammates. “A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit,” he added, underlining the emotional backdrop of the game.
Background: Tension Beyond Cricket
This was the first encounter between India and Pakistan since the Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, in which 26 tourists lost their lives. India held Pakistan responsible, leading to Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Armed Forces launched missile strikes inside Pakistan. In retaliation, Pakistan struck back across the border before an international ceasefire brought the conflict to a halt.
The political tension spilled into the cricketing arena. Even before the toss, neither captain greeted each other. During the game, emotions ran high, with Indian players celebrating every breakthrough with intensity. The atmosphere at the Dubai stadium was electric, but the missing handshake overshadowed the cricket.
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PCB Protests, Takes Issue to ICC
Following the match, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged an official complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft. PCB alleged that Pycroft failed to uphold the spirit of cricket by not ensuring post-match handshakes.
PCB and Asia Cup chief Mohsin Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee. We demand his immediate removal from the Asia Cup.”
Pakistan’s manager Naveed Akram Cheema also formally protested, stating that the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands “goes against the spirit of sports.”
Pakistan’s Reaction and Shoaib Akhtar’s Criticism
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation in protest. Coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, saying his team was prepared to shake hands, but India “shut the dressing room door.”
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also criticized India’s stance, urging both nations to keep politics out of cricket. “It is disheartening to see. Don’t make cricket political. Show your grace, shake hands,” Akhtar said on a Pakistani TV channel.
A Rivalry Beyond Runs and Wickets
Despite the lopsided nature of the contest, with India dominating yet again, the match will be remembered for what did not happen rather than what did. The absent handshake, the silence at the toss, and the post-match protest have all added a new layer to the storied India-Pakistan rivalry.
For many, the controversy reflects the larger geopolitical strain between the two nations. With both teams likely to face each other again in the Super Fours stage, the tension is expected to rise further.
India’s thumping win may not be etched in memory for its cricketing brilliance but for the powerful symbolism surrounding it. By refusing to shake hands, Suryakumar Yadav sent a message that cricket sometimes reflects more than just sport—it mirrors national sentiment.
As the Asia Cup 2025 continues, fans now await whether the archrivals will face each other again — and if the handshake saga will take another dramatic turn.
