India vs Pakistan's Asia Cup 2025 match on Sunday proved to be one-sided from a cricketing point of view, with Suryakumar Yadav's team overshadowing the opposition in every way.
Instead, the center of attention moved away from the performance on the field to the India captain Suryakumar skipping handshakes with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his players.
There were no handshakes, and when the Pakistani cricketers went to the Indian dressing room, the doors were shut firmly in their faces.
When asked about the snub during the presentation and later at the press conference, Suryakumar clarified that the gesture was done to send a message to Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. To everyone's surprise, the plan did not belong to the Indian skipper.
Reports indicate that the move was spearheaded by head coach Gautam Gambhir. Telecom Asia Sport reports that Gambhir had cautioned the Indian players against a handshake or any kind of verbal interaction with their Pakistani counterparts.
Before the game, A 'boycott' issue had been discussed within the Indian dressing room, and it was one that had caught the attention of players like Suryakumar, who complained to Gambhir and the support staff. Gambhir has allegedly requested the players to keep a distance from social media and concentrate on the game only.
“Cut down on social media, stop reading the noise. Your job is to play for India. Don't forget what happened in Pahalgam. Don't shake hands, don't engage — just go out, show your best, and win for India,” Gambhir said, the report claimed.
Gambhi also spoke to the broadcaster of the Asia Cup 2025 in India about the game, echoing Suryakumar's words on the importance of the no-handshake gesture. "Good win. There is still a lot of cricket left in this tournament. This match was important as we wanted to show solidarity with the victims and their families and what they went through during the Pahalgam attack. More importantly, we want to thank the Indian army for their successful Operation Sindoor. We will try to make our country proud and happy."
“We want to thank our Armed Forces for successful Operation Sindoor”
Coaches tend to use politically safe phrases, but @GautamGambhir speaks blunt truth with the utmost courage. #INDvsPAKpic.twitter.com/4rmXpX4PWx
The encounter on Sunday was not the first time India and Pakistan are scheduled to face each other in the Asia Cup 2025. The teams would meet once more in the Super 4 round, and a possible final confrontation cannot be eliminated.
Read also| Team India Responds to 'Boycott Pakistan' Appeals Ahead of Asia Cup 2025
