A fresh wave of controversy erupted during the Asia Cup 2025 final in Dubai as Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav conspicuously upheld India’s ‘No Handshake policy’ against arch-rivals Pakistan. The incident unfolded at the toss, a moment usually marked by customary greetings.
At the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Suryakumar warmly shook hands with former India coach Ravi Shastri, who was present as a broadcaster. However, the Indian skipper noticeably bypassed former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis. This deliberate snub immediately ignited a social media frenzy, amplifying the already intense rivalry before a single ball had been bowled.
Mirroring his actions in the tournament’s previous encounters—both in the group stage and the Super Four—Suryakumar once again avoided shaking hands with his opposing captain, Salman Ali Agha, at the toss. Throughout the interaction, the Indian skipper maintained a focused and composed demeanor, a symbolic gesture reflecting the ongoing coolness in relations between the two cricketing powerhouses.
Adding another layer of drama to the highly anticipated final, the toss procedure itself was unconventional. For the first time, two presenters were involved: Ravi Shastri questioned the Indian captain, while Waqar Younis directed his inquiries to the Pakistan leader. This unusual arrangement only served to heighten the spectacle surrounding one of cricket’s most fiercely contested fixtures.
This ‘No Handshake’ stance emerges at a critical juncture for Pakistan cricket, which is currently facing considerable scrutiny over both its on-field performance and media handling. Their batting and fielding have drawn widespread criticism, and team captains and officials have been under fire for either skipping press conferences or restricting questions from Indian journalists.
As the much-anticipated final commenced, Suryakumar Yadav’s continued refusal to engage in the traditional gesture powerfully illustrated how the India-Pakistan rivalry transcends the boundaries of the playing field, permeating into matters of protocol, public perception, and national pride.