India’s Victory Highlights Tensions as Players Sidestep Post-Match Handshakes with Pakistan

Indian players decided not to engage in handshakes with Pakistani players following India’s victory over Pakistan by six wickets in the Asia Cup Super Fours match held in Dubai on Sunday.

In the match, Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma were at the crease when India successfully chased down a target of 172 runs. The duo immediately headed back to the dugout after securing the win.

At the toss earlier, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav also refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha.

This marks the second instance during this Asia Cup where India has bypassed traditional handshakes with Pakistan. In the group stage, after defeating Pakistan by seven wickets, Indian players Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube exited the field without greeting the Pakistani team.

In that earlier encounter, Salman expressed his displeasure by skipping the post-match presentation. However, he attended the ceremony following Sunday’s match.

Additionally, Pakistan had previously threatened to boycott their group-stage game against the United Arab Emirates, demanding action against match referee Andy Pycroft. The game proceeded after Pycroft issued an apology.