The Asia Cup match between arch-rivals India and Pakistan came to a contentious conclusion after Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav opted against the customary handshake after the match. In fact, no handshakes were exchanged either before or after the match. As a result, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation. This break from cricketing etiquette is being widely seen as a reflection of the ongoing political conflict between the two nations.
Meanwhile, India downed arch-rivals Pakistan to seal a seven-wicket win in the highly charged encounter on Sunday at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai. India, in their chase of 128, wrapped up the game with more than four overs to spare, with Suryakumar Yadav playing an unbeaten knock of 47 to take the side to victory.
“Our government and the BCCI were aligned. Rest. We came here, (and) we took a call. We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply," Yadav said during the post-match presentation.
"Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit also. I've told it at the presentation as well: we stand with all the victims of Pahalgam terror attacks, stand with their families, and express our solidarity," Yadav added.
With the win against Pakistan, India are now on top of the points table with two wins in a row. Their next match is against Oman on Friday at Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.