Customs were broken and tensions visible as India and Pakistan skipped the usual handshakes after their Asia Cup clash in Dubai on Sunday.
India comfortably chased down Pakistan’s target of 128 in just 15.5 overs, but the customary post-match formalities between the two sides were noticeably absent.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, unbeaten alongside Shivam Dube at the end, walked straight off the field without acknowledging the Pakistan team.
Earlier in the day, tensions were evident at the toss as well. Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refrained from shaking hands or making eye contact while former India coach Ravi Shastri conducted the toss. Agha simply handed the team sheet to the umpire before returning to the dressing room, mirroring the Indian captain’s decision.
While Indian players and staff exchanged congratulatory embraces among themselves, no formal interactions took place between the two teams.
According to The Indian Express, Suryakumar had informed the Indian management hours before the match that he would not participate in the traditional handshake at the toss, citing sensitivity to public sentiment back home. He, however, left it to his teammates to decide individually whether they wished to follow the ritual.
