Political tensions between India and Pakistan spilled onto the cricket field Sunday as India secured a dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Asia Cup but declined the customary post-match handshakes, according to Pakistan coach Mike Hesson.
India’s top-order batting, led by Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, made light work of Pakistan’s 127-9, with the winning runs coming via a towering six with 25 balls to spare.
However, the match’s ending was overshadowed by controversy when Indian players, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, left the field without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts.
“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that,” said Pakistan coach Mike Hesson.
There was no handshake between captains even at the toss, and Pakistan players appeared to walk toward India’s dugout post-match, only to find the Indian side had already returned to the dressing room.
During the presentation ceremony, Yadav dedicated the win to India’s armed forces and victims of the April terror attack in India-administered Kashmir.
“We stand with the victims and their families and dedicate this win to our armed forces who showed immense bravery,” Yadav said.
No Pakistani players spoke during the presentation, a decision Hesson said was a “flow-on” from India’s actions.
Backdrop of Political Tension
The match was the first meeting between the two nations since a four-day military confrontation in April, sparked by a deadly attack on tourists in Kashmir. The incident led to airstrikes and missile exchanges, marking the most severe clash in decades.
Calls to boycott the Asia Cup match were widespread, but the tournament proceeded after India’s cricket board and government gave approval.
Match Highlights
India’s bowlers set the tone early, with Jasprit Bumrah and spinners Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and Axar Patel (2-18) dismantling Pakistan’s batting order. Despite a late flourish from Shaheen Afridi (33 not out), Pakistan’s 127-run total was well below par.
India’s chase was aggressive from the start, with Abhishek Sharma (31) and Tilak Varma (31) contributing to a comfortable pursuit before Yadav sealed victory in style.
The win marked India’s sixth consecutive victory over Pakistan in men’s cricket. Both teams could meet again if they advance to the knockout stages of the tournament.