India engaged in an one-sided affair against Pakistan at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai on Sunday. Pakistan, who won the toss and opted to bat first, were restricted to 127/9 in 20 overs, leaving India with a paltry target which they chased down in 15.5 overs.
The highlight of the match, however, was Suryakumar Yadav's actions both at the beginning and the end of the match. The Indian captain refused to shake hands with his Pakistan counterpart Salman Ali Agha, leading to massive reactions on social media.
He then hit the winning runs by sending the ball over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum but refused to shake hands with the opposition.
Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan lodges protest against India after post-match handshake snub
On expected lines, the Indian skipper was asked about not shaking hands with the Pakistan team following the match at the press conference. Suryakumar clarified his stance on the hand-shake row and said: "Our government and BCCI were aligned. When we came here, we took a call. We were here to just play the game. We gave them a proper reply."
This was the first clash between the two cricket-mad countries after the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians. The cricket match, which is usually much-awaited, instead met with backlash with many also calling for a complete boycott.
Weighing-in on the recent events, which has heightened the tension between the two nations, Suryakumar once again echoed the sentiments he had expressed at the post-match presentation ceremony. "I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalagam terror attack. We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best to, whenever given the opportunity, inspire them as well if possible," said Suryakumar.
The Indian skipper was also asked on the trolling and backlash Team India received for going ahead with the match despite the Pahalgam terror attacks in April and Indian Armed Forces' consequent Operation Sindoor following it. He said that the team had decided to cut down on the outside noise.
"We had shut down 70 to 80 per cent outside noise. Our players and support staff had talked about cutting down as much outside noise as possible. So that we could execute our plans well. I do not know what is happening outside and players keep me away from it, and other players and support staff try to stay away from that. Only then you can plan and execute with a clear mind and crowd supports us well," he said.
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