Amid constant chatter since his controversial decision not to shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team at the Asia Cup 2025, India captain Suryakumar Yadav once again fell under the spotlight on Friday, September 19.
This time, though, it was for more wholesome reasons as the Mumbaikar hugged Oman’s veteran all-rounder Aamir Kaleem, who originally hails from Karachi, after his team came up with a spirited performance against the Men in Blue in Abu Dhabi.
After setting up an imposing total of 188/8, Team India managed to seal a win by 21 runs in the final Group A contest ahead of the Super 4s stage. The victory wasn’t as straightforward as many would’ve expected for the cricketing giants, who fended off a threat from Oman’s resilient top 3.
While
skipper Jatinder Singh (32) and No.3 Hammad Mirza (51) also batted superbly, it was Kaleem who earned everyone’s respect with his brave knock of 64 off 46 deliveries, including 7 fours and 2 sixes. The 43-year-old’s courageous display kept Oman in the hunt until the gap in experience between the two sides propelled India through.
Kaleem’s amazing innings helped Oman run the heavyweights close and impressed even the opposition captain, as Suryakumar appreciated him and gave him a warm hug during the post-game handshake ritual. The moment was captured on air and came in stark contrast to the Mumbaikar, completely ignoring his Pakistani counterparts during last Sunday’s clash in Dubai.
That’s a good hug by India’s captain SKY to Karachi born Aamir Kaleem. That’s commendable 👏 #Asiacup pic.twitter.com/08tC7KTwcx
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 19, 2025
After sealing his team’s victory over neighbors with a fantastic six towards deep mid-wicket, Suryakumar and his batting partner Shivam Dube walked off the field without undergoing the customary handshakes with Pakistani players.
The T20I skipper defined his team’s stance by dedicating the victory to the Indian armed forces, while stressing that he stands in solidarity with the families of the victims of the cowardly terror attacks in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian innocents in April.
The no-handshake moment turned into a major controversy afterwards, as the Pakistan Cricket Board contemplated pulling their team out of the Asia Cup 2025.
Pakistan also threatened to boycott their crucial Group A encounter versus the UAE, but ultimately went ahead with it following a series of discussions at the PCB headquarters.
India and Pakistan will battle out for supremacy once again in the Super 4s stage on Sunday, September 21.
