“Few things in life are above a sportsman’s spirit. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav told a Pakistani journalist, signaling what may turn out to be one of the most contentious Asia Cup finals in recent history. Reports indicate that Yadav may refuse to accept the winner’s trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi should India secure the title on September 28.
According to a media report, the row intensified after Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following Sunday’s seven-wicket triumph, a gesture that has once again inflamed cricketing tensions between the two nations. The PCB, angered by the incident, has demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, blaming him for the controversy. According to PTI, the board has lodged a formal protest with both the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Defending the move, Yadav explained that the team’s refusal was an act of solidarity with families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people lost their lives to Pakistan-backed militants. “Together, we came here, we took a call and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply,” he said.
A media report further notes that Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema filed a complaint with the ACC, alleging that Pycroft’s directives obstructed the customary exchange of team sheets between captains. The PCB’s outrage is heightened by the fact that Naqvi currently serves as ACC president, while the ICC is chaired by India’s Jay Shah.
BCCI insiders told a media agency, that the no-handshake stance was carefully considered by senior players and management, including head coach Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir has been firm in his position: “No sporting ties till terror activities continue on Indian soil.” A senior BCCI official echoed this sentiment, saying: “If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team is not bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of strained relationship.”
The Indian side’s decision has sparked a divided response. Opposition parties and social media voices in India have criticized the choice to play Pakistan in the first place, while others applauded the symbolic show of solidarity with the victims’ families. Similar actions have occurred in global sport: in 2023, Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina declined to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka at Wimbledon due to geopolitical tensions, yet faced no sanctions.
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