The Asia Cup Group A encounter between India and Pakistan has created tremendous controversy, with social media flooded with criticism as many Indian cricket supporters expressed their frustration over the match being held while the country was still shaken by the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor. Calls for boycotting have been on the rise as political tensions between the two neighbours remain on the rise. This match also represents the first cricketing meeting of the teams since the war erupted early this year, which has further ignited passions.
During the toss, there was a dramatic moment when India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to follow the traditional handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. After Ravi Shastri presented the captains, Suryakumar refused to extend his hand, and Agha also did not make any gesture of courtesy, merely handing over the team sheet to the umpire and then going back to the dressing room. The exchange lacked both handshakes and even eye contact.
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: India vs Pakistan match gets heavy backlash as fans urge for ‘Boycott’
Coin falls in favour of Pakistan and they choose to bat first 🏏
Watch #INDvPAK LIVE NOW on the Sony Sports Network TV channels & Sony LIV.#SonySportsNetwork #DPWorldAsiaCup2025 pic.twitter.com/IU98kUSWda---Advertisement---— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 14, 2025
Also Read: Asia Cup 2025: ‘We cannot boycott…’ BCCI explains why India vs Pakistan match cannot be cancelled
Ahead of the game, Indian assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate had emphasized that the team is aware of the public’s sentiments and is in solidarity with the public’s emotions at home. Going by Suryakumar’s approach, it seemed the Indian team decided to mirror those emotions on the field.
