India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: India announced their arrival at the Asia Cup 2025 with a statement win, dismantling the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by nine wickets in a one-sided Group A encounter at Dubai International Stadium. The Muhammad Waseem-led UAE side never got going, being bowled out for a paltry 57 in just 13.1 overs, as Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube shared seven wickets between them.
India chased the tiny target in a mere 4.3 overs, with Abhishek Sharma (30), Shubman Gill (20*), and Suryakumar Yadav (7*) leading the charge. The emphatic victory not only showcased India’s firepower but also sent a clear warning to their arch-rivals, Pakistan, ahead of the much-anticipated clash this Sunday at the same venue.
What Suryakumar told Pakistan?
At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar was asked about facing Pakistan next. When asked by Sanjay Manjrekar whether India’s performance against UAE was a “subtle message” for Pakistan, Suryakumar chuckled before responding, “We all are excited. Everyone wants to play a good game and is really looking forward to it.”
The upcoming encounter has sparked debate, with calls for the BCCI to reconsider the match in light of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year. Despite public sentiment, the game is currently scheduled to proceed as planned.
India-Pak handshake controversy
Suryakumar also found himself in the middle of a social media storm over a handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Agha during the Asia Cup press conference. Images of the brief handshake drew criticism online. Initially, Suryakumar had walked off the stage without shaking hands, but when Agha returned, the two captains exchanged a handshake.
Earlier speaking on India’s match against Pakistan, Suryakumar Yadav said, “Aggression is always there on the field when we take the field, and without aggression I don’t think you can play the sport, and I’m sure I’m very excited to take the field from tomorrow.”
Pakistan Captain Salman Ali Agha replied to Surya saying, “You don’t need to say anything to any player because everyone is individually very different. If someone wants to be aggressive in the field, they’re more than welcome to do that. When it comes to fast bowlers, they are always aggressive, and you can’t just stop them because that’s what keeps them going. Whoever wants to be aggressive in the field they are more than welcome. From my side, there is no instruction to anyone as long as it stays on the ground.”
BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia reiterated that the board was proceeding with the match following government policy, while the Sports Ministry confirmed approval for India–Pakistan clashes in multi-lateral tournaments such as the Asia Cup and World Cups.
India’s dominant performance against UAE has provided a confidence boost ahead of the clash with arch-rivals Pakistan.