During yesterday’s Asia Cup match between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium, the Men in Blue not only ignored the Pakistani players but also the officials present at the event. Not just that, after India’s win, the dressing room was closed immediately after Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube entered it, preventing further interactions.

No handshake at toss, post-match

At the toss, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was instructed by the match referee not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. When Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat, the captains avoided the handshake, and even broadcaster Ravi Shastri appeared to overlook Agha.

Later, after Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning six to guide India to a comfortable 7-wicket win, he shook hands only with his batting partner Shivam Dube and avoided interactions with Pakistani players. The two batters even ignored the match referee and quickly went straight to the dressing room.

Head coach Mike Hesson followed the players to the dressing room, only to find it locked. He was later seen speaking with match referee Andy Pycroft.

‘Against the spirit of sports…’: Pakistan

In protest against what they perceived as unsportsmanlike behaviour, the Pakistan team chose to skip the post-match presentation ceremony, citing concerns over India’s conduct.

“The match referee, Andy Pycroft, had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

The statement added, “Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team, as the ceremony host was also an Indian.”

Hesson expressed disappointment over the incident, stating that the team was ready to shake hands after the match, but it was disheartening that the opposition chose to leave.

“…We are disappointed that the opposition did not do that. We went over there and they were already gone to the changing room. That was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match.”

‘We stand by victims, families of Pahalgam’

Suryakumar Yadav, during the post-match presentation, defended the team’s actions, explaining that they stand in solidarity with all those who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack, along with their families. He dedicated the victory to the Indian Armed Forces.

“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity,” he said, before adding, “I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.”

Yadav further said, “I hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face.”

He added that the government, BCCI and the team collectively made a decision, expressing that they were there only to play cricket.

Pakistan lodges official complaint

A day after the handshake row, Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has filed an official complaint with Pycroft. HT confirmed the details, stating that the Pakistan management has officially lodged a complaint against the Indian team’s actions. 

In their complaint, they argued that Team India acted against “the spirit of sports”.