Will Suryakumar And Salman Agha Finally Shake Hands In India vs Pakistan Asia Cup Match?

Cricket’s biggest rivalry is set for another fiery chapter today as India and Pakistan face off in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. But beyond the cricketing battle, all eyes are on whether India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha will finally exchange a handshake — something conspicuously missing in their clash on September 14, also in Dubai.

That game ended with controversy as Indian players walked off without greeting their Pakistani counterparts, leaving them waiting awkwardly on the field. Pakistan immediately lodged a formal protest with the ICC, accusing India of violating the “spirit of cricket.”

Political Tensions Spill Into Cricket

The dispute was not in isolation. Just days before the group-stage clash, India and Pakistan were involved in a brief military standoff following a deadly attack in Kashmir. The political heat inevitably spilled into cricket, amplifying the already fierce rivalry.

While the ICC termed the matter a “miscommunication”, Pakistan was far from convinced. The PCB even demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who was accused of mishandling the situation. The ICC, however, rejected the request — and in a twist of fate, Pycroft will once again officiate today’s India-Pakistan match in Dubai.

Suryakumar Urges Players to Stay Focused

In the lead-up to the clash, India captain Suryakumar Yadav played down the drama and urged his teammates to block out the noise.

“It will be a good contest between bat and ball,” Suryakumar said. “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. That’s the best way to shut the noise.”

High Stakes in Dubai

Today’s match marks the second showdown between the two teams in just eight days, with the winner moving a step closer to securing a place in the Asia Cup final on September 28.

Reports suggest that India may continue with its no-handshake stance, setting the stage for yet another tense evening under the Dubai lights.

Cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting to see not just who wins the match, but whether the players will bridge the gap with a simple handshake — or let the controversy drag on.