The Asia Cup 2025 Group A match between India and Pakistan has become controversial even before the first ball was bowled. Fans in India have called for a boycott, citing the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.
This is the first cricket encounter between the two nations since the war earlier this year. The political tensions and public anger set a charged atmosphere for the high-profile clash.
No Handshake at Toss
At the toss, India captain Suryakumar Yadav refused the customary handshake with his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha. When Ravi Shastri introduced the two skippers, Suryakumar avoided extending his hand. Agha also did not make the gesture. Instead, he handed his team list to the umpire and walked away without eye contact.
Pakistan captain Agha won the toss and chose to bat first. The lack of a handshake between the captains quickly grabbed headlines and set social media buzzing.
Suryakumar’s Decision Before the Match
According to the Indian Express, Suryakumar had already decided earlier in the morning that he would not shake hands with Agha. He informed his teammates of his choice but left it up to them whether to greet the Pakistan players.
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Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate said, “The players are aware of the emotions of people back home and sympathise with their feelings.” The Indian squad has also chosen to wear black armbands in memory of the lives lost in the Pahalgam terror attack.
Past Remarks Fuel Tension
The tension goes beyond the toss moment. Earlier this year, Pakistan all-rounder Faheem Ashraf mocked India’s Operation Sindoor and insulted the Indian Armed Forces. His presence in Pakistan’s playing XI has only added fuel to the anger among Indian fans.
Handshake Saga Continues
This controversy follows an earlier incident during the official captain’s press conference. Salman Agha appeared to snub Suryakumar by walking off without shaking his hand. However, later footage showed Agha returning to greet the Indian skipper backstage.
That handshake too created uproar in India, especially since Suryakumar was also seen shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Focus Shifts to Cricket
Despite the noise, the Indian team is trying to stay focused. Ryan ten Doeschate revealed that head coach Gautam Gambhir has told his players to “focus on cricket and ignore the outside noise.”
With India and Pakistan facing off under such tense circumstances, the match has become more than just a cricketing battle—it is a contest layered with politics, emotions, and pride.
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