The on-field triumph of India over Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025 was marred by an off-field controversy. Post-match, the Indian team, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, notably refused to engage in the traditional
handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts. Even during the toss, Yadav snubbed Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha, opting not to offer a handshake. This gesture, perceived by many as a protest against ongoing tensions after the Pahalgam terrorist attack, reportedly prompted Pakistan to lodge a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Cricket pundits and fans alike have speculated on potential penalties under ICC guidelines, which emphasize sportsmanship and decorum. “The spirit of the game includes mutual respect, but in light of recent events, emotions run high,” reportedly observed former Pakistani cricketer Rashid Latif in a post-match analysis.
Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly delivered a poignant message on the eve of the Asia Cup 2025's high-stake India versus Pakistan showdown. Speaking to reporters, he emphasized the need to combat terrorism while underscoring the irreplaceability of sports. “Terror must stop, it is most important, but sports also cannot stop,” Ganguly stated, encapsulating a nuanced perspective that has reignited debates on Indo-Pak cricketing relations. Ganguly's comments, delivered a day after the match, come against the backdrop of heightened Indo-Pak friction, exacerbated by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, earlier in April 2025. However, In the immediate aftermath, Ganguly reportedly himself had advocated for a complete severance of cricketing ties, telling reporters in Kolkata, “100 per cent, this should be done. Strict action is necessary. It is no joke that such things happen every year. Terrorism cannot be tolerated.”
Indian bowlers made the IND Vs PAK clash a one sided affair
The clash of India and Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025, took place on September 14, 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium. In a one-sided affair, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first but crumbled under India's relentless bowling attack. Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya struck early blows, reducing Pakistan to a precarious position within the powerplay. Kuldeep Yadav's masterful spin earned him the Player of the Match award as India chased down the modest target of 127 with seven wickets and several overs to spare. Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma contributed with identical scores of 31, while skipper Yadav remained unbeaten on 47, guiding the Men in Blue to a comfortable victory.
The Asia Cup's progression now hinges on the Super Fours stage, where India faces a four-day break before their final league match against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi. Pakistan, despite the loss, remains confident heading into their clash with UAE on September 17. With both teams likely to advance, another India-Pakistan showdown looms in the knockouts, potentially amplifying the stakes.
