ADVERTISEMENTs
Suryakumar sidesteps handshake issue ahead of India-Pakistan rematch
Before the Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan in Dubai, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav stressed the team's no-handshake policy.
-
AFP - Sat, 20, Sep 2025
- 09:32 EDT
- 26
Indian Cricket Captain Suryakumar Yadav / Facebook
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav sidestepped the no-handshake issue ahead of the Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan in Dubai on Sept 21, choosing to focus instead on the bat and ball.
The Group A clash between the fierce rivals on Sept 14 ended on a bitter note when Indian players refused to shake hands with their opponents.
It was the first meeting between the regional neighbors since a four-day cross-border conflict in May left more than 70 people dead.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft as match referee for the must-win group game against the hosts. Zimbabwean Pycroft oversaw that clash on Sept 14.
Pakistan's last group game—against the United Arab Emirates—was delayed for an hour due to the standoff before the matter was resolved with the PCB claiming Pycroft apologized.
Pycroft remained the match referee for Sept 16's game and is still scheduled to officiate on Sept 21.
Indian media has reported that the team plans to stick to its no-handshake policy for Sept 21's clash.
Suryakumar changed the subject when asked about the handshake issue and Pycroft's presence, saying, "It will be a good contest between the ball and the bat."
Also Read: Captains vow controlled aggression in India-Pakistan showdown
He added, "Close your room, switch off your phone, and sleep. I think that's the best thing to shut out the noise. It's easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult."
India won all three of their group games, edging out a brave Oman by 21 runs in Abu Dhabi on Friday as well as beating Pakistan by seven and the UAE by nine wickets, respectively.
Suryakumar praised minnows Oman, appearing in the Asia Cup for the first time, for putting up a good fight.
"I feel they played a good brand of cricket," he said of a team that ended on 167-4 in reply to India's 188-8.
"They batted very well, but we also managed to give a good outing to our players."
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login