India captain Suryakumar Yadav has clarified that the decision not to shake hands with Pakistan after their Asia Cup 2025 win was guided by higher authorities. The Men in Blue stayed away from handshakes both at the toss and post-match, following instructions aligned with the BCCI and the Indian government.
The decision comes in the wake of the tragic Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives. By avoiding handshakes, India sent a clear message of solidarity with the victims and their families while maintaining focus on the cricket match. Suryakumar emphasized that the team was in Dubai to play cricket and not engage in political gestures.
Player Reactions and Controversy
The handshake snub drew reactions from Pakistan’s side. Salman Agha chose not to attend the post-match presentation ceremony, and the PCB filed a formal protest through their manager. India’s players, including Suryakumar and Shivam Dube, exited promptly to the dressing room, refraining from any engagement with the opposition.
Suryakumar explained to the media, “Our government and BCCI, we were aligned today. We came here just to play the game. That’s the end. We gave a proper reply.” The incident highlights how sportsmanship and political context intersect, with India following directives from authorities rather than acting independently.
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