IND vs PAK: ‘No handshake’ was a message against Pahalgam terror, says skipper Suryakumar Yadav

India captain Suryakumar was asked about the no-handshake decision later in the presentation ceremony and the press conference, he said that it was an attempt to send Pakistan a message, keeping in mind the Pahalgam terror attack.

New Delhi: The India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 ended as it began – with no handshake between the two sets of players. The Salman Ali Agha-led Pakistan team has filed a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council, expressing their displeasure at Indian players walking off the field of play without shaking hands at the Asia Cup in Dubai on Sunday, September 14.

When the Pakistan team walked up to the Indian dressing room, the doors were shut right at their faces. In a statement issued late Sunday night, the Pakistan Cricket Board condemned India’s actions after the seven-wicket defeat by calling them “unsporting."

When India captain Suryakumar was asked about the no-handshake decision later in the presentation ceremony and the press conference, he said that it was an attempt to send Pakistan a message, keeping in mind the Pahalgam terror attack.

However, as per the reports, this wasn't the skipper who came up with the idea. It was head coach Gautam Gambhir who reportedly advised the Indian players against engaging in a handshake with the Pakistani players. Additionally, he asked them not to have any verbal exchanges with the rival team.