India vs Pakistan: Suryakumar Yadav Defends India’s No-Handshake Decision After Win

Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan

India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 group-stage encounter had it all – drama, emotion and total domination from Team India took the limelight. India sealed the game with a convincing seven-wicket victory, but it was the post-match handshake incident that made headlines, as Team India’s skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players.

The bold refusal touched a nerve within cricketing community, especially considering India’s long, complex and emotionally-infused relationship with Pakistan, in the context of the terror attack in Pahalgam early this year.

Why Suryakumar Yadav Didn’t Shake Hands

After the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam in April that killed 26 people, a lot of people wondered if India should even be in the Asia Cup 2025. Even though the government said it was okay to participate, feelings were still intense.

Suryakumar explained his actions at the press conference after the game:

“Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack and dedicate this win to our brave armed forces.”

By not doing the usual handshake, India showed support for the armed forces and the families of those who died.

Disappointment in Pakistan – Reaction of Mike Hesson

The decision taken by India has disappointed Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson. In his statement, he mentioned that the Pakistan team had moved up to the Indian team for handshakes but found them returning to the dressing room.

“We were prepared to shake hands. It was sad that our opponents didn’t do that,” said Hesson.

Furthermore, the Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match presentation, indicating irritability because of the event.

India’s Commanding Performance on the Pitch

Although the off-field drama received a lot of attention, the cricket was one-sided. The first ball of the match from Hardik Pandya dismissed Saim Ayub.

Pakistan struggled immensely, finishing on 127/9 during their 20-over innings. Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) and Axar Patel (2/18) dismantled the middle-order and Jasprit Bumrah managed to take two critical wickets.

The positives for Pakistan were Sahibzada Farhan (40) and Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo (33 off 16)*. India completed the chase rather easily. Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) and Tilak Varma (31) got off to a flying start, and Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 37)* finished it off with a six in just 15.5 overs.

India won again, putting them at the top of Group A. Now, the trick will be keeping up the good work as the tournament continues. Fans are really hoping to see India vs Pakistan again later on.

The India versus Pakistan game is always more than just cricket; it’s a mix of politics, strong feelings, and sports. India’s choice not to shake hands might cause some discussion, but winning with Suryakumar Yadav as captain showed that standing up for your country can be more important than just being friendly on the field.