The Indian team delivered a commanding performance, clinching a 7-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025. This win has nearly secured India’s spot in the Super 4 stage. India dominated all aspects of the game, leaving Pakistan struggling throughout. Despite winning the toss, Pakistan was unable to find any momentum.
However, many Indian fans boycotted the match due to the earlier Pahalgam Attack, while others supported the team enthusiastically and celebrated their victory over their arch-rivals.
The match’s most talked-about moment came when the Indian team refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players after their convincing win. After hitting the winning six, Suryakumar Yadav immediately retreated to the Indian dressing room. Soon after, Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson approached for the customary handshake, only to find the door shut by the Indian team management, denying the gesture. At the toss as well, captain Suryakumar Yadav deliberately avoided shaking hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha.
Reports indicate that the decision was not made by the captain but was suggested by head coach Gautam Gambhir, who advised the Indian players to avoid any physical or verbal contact with their Pakistani counterparts during and after the match.
In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped both the post-match presentation and the press conference, showing his displeasure over the incident. The handshake snub triggered significant controversy, with Pakistan team manager Naved Akram Cheema lodging an official complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft. ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi expressed outrage on social media, condemning the incident. Former Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Akhtar also criticized Team India, calling their actions "disheartening."
"I'm speechless. It’s disheartening to see, and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. (Cricket match hai, isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye. Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain.) We’ve said nice things about you. We could say a lot of things about the no handshake," Akhtar said.
Following their victory over Pakistan, India is on the verge of qualifying for the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025. Their next cricket match is against Oman on September 19. Pakistan, meanwhile, must win their final group match against the UAE on September 17 to stay in contention. Should Pakistan win, the two teams will face each other again on September 21.
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