Suryakumar Yadav Snubs Pakistan Captain Again at Toss

Suryakumar Yadav Snubs Pakistan Captain Again at Toss

In a continuation of the ongoing handshake controversy, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav once again ignored Pakistan's skipper Salman Ali Agha during the toss of the Asia Cup 2025 final held at the Dubai International Stadium on September 28. This marks the third consecutive instance in the tournament where Suryakumar has refrained from the customary handshake with his Pakistani counterpart.

During the toss, Suryakumar engaged warmly with former Indian coach Ravi Shastri, who was conducting the toss, but chose to bypass Agha entirely. This incident has reignited discussions on the India-Pakistan rivalry, which extends beyond the cricket field into broader political and social contexts. Suryakumar's decision not to shake hands has been interpreted as a reflection of the ongoing tensions between the two nations.

The toss itself featured an unusual format, with Shastri interviewing Suryakumar and Waqar Younis questioning Agha. Suryakumar won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision he made with confidence. The Indian team has maintained a no-handshake policy throughout the tournament, having previously avoided this gesture during their earlier encounters with Pakistan.

Adding to the drama, Suryakumar did not attend the trophy photoshoot, leaving Agha to pose with the trophy alone. This absence has drawn criticism and further fueled the narrative surrounding the rivalry. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has expressed its disappointment over the handshake snubs, with Agha publicly voicing his concerns.

In a significant blow to the Indian team, all-rounder Hardik Pandya was ruled out of the final due to injury, having suffered cramps in the previous match against Sri Lanka. Rinku Singh replaced him in the lineup, while Jasprit Bumrah returned to the team, replacing Arshdeep Singh. The final match is highly anticipated, as it marks the first time India and Pakistan have met in the Asia Cup final in the tournament's 41-year history.

As the match unfolds, the atmosphere remains charged, with the rivalry between the two cricketing giants continuing to capture the attention of fans and media alike.