Cold start to India vs Pakistan: Suryakumar Yadav-Salman Agha refuse to shake hands and PAK national anthem goof-up

India and Pakistan captain refuse to shake hands at toss.

The Asia Cup Group A clash between India and Pakistan has sparked intense controversy, with emotions running high both on and off the field. Many Indian fans have expressed outrage on social media, questioning why the match is being played amid the nation’s sombre atmosphere following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Calls to boycott the game have grown louder as tensions between the two countries continue to escalate. This encounter also marks their first meeting on the cricket field since the war that erupted earlier this year.

Before the start of play, an unusual moment unfolded at the toss. Suryakumar Yadav, leading India, declined the customary handshake with Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha. After being introduced by commentator Ravi Shastri, Suryakumar refrained from making any gesture of greeting.

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Agha won the toss and chose to bat first. Neither captain initiated a handshake, and Agha simply handed over his team sheet to the umpire before walking back to the dressing room after the brief interaction.

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Adding to the drama, there was an unexpected blunder from the stadium DJ during Pakistan’s national anthem. As the players lined up and the anthem began, a random upbeat track suddenly played over the speakers midway through the ceremony.

No handshake between Salman Ali Agha and SKY at the toss. 👀 pic.twitter.com/ue33JeGxPC

— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) September 14, 2025

The mix-up left the crowd stunned and visibly confused, with some fans booing while others broke into awkward laughter. The audio was quickly cut off, and the anthem was restarted from the beginning, but the slip-up had already become a talking point on social media, with many calling it an embarrassing moment for the organizers.