As the Asia Cup 2025 approaches its pivotal Super Fours clash, both India and Pakistan are striving to steer clear of any disputes, mindful of the lingering political tensions stemming from their previous encounter in Dubai.
In a notable development, Pakistan abruptly cancelled their pre-match press conference just an hour before it was set to begin on Saturday. Meanwhile, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, tactfully avoided addressing the contentious “no handshake” incident during his post-match media interaction following India’s victory over Oman on Friday.
The upcoming Sunday showdown marks the second face-off between these South Asian rivals within eight days, with the winner inching closer to securing a spot in the tournament final scheduled for September 28.
Despite the political undertones and off-field controversies that have cast a shadow over preparations, both teams have taken deliberate measures to shield their players from further distractions and maintain focus on the game.
When questioned about the handshake controversy after the recent group match, Yadav deflected by emphasizing the sporting aspect: “It will be a compelling battle between bat and ball.” He further revealed that he has urged his squad to “block out the noise” ahead of the clash with Pakistan.
“Close your doors, turn off your phones, and get some rest,” the Indian captain advised, acknowledging the challenge despite its simplicity.
Having previously made pointed political remarks following India’s initial win over Pakistan, the 35-year-old captain chose a more reserved approach before their second encounter.
Addressing the question of whether the decision to forgo handshakes contradicted cricket’s spirit, Yadav stated, “We stand in solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families, dedicating this victory to our courageous armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor.”
This referred to India’s missile strikes targeting six locations within Pakistan, a response to the April 22 assault on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir’s Pahalgam region, which claimed 26 lives. The attack was claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a separatist group advocating for Kashmir’s independence, though India accused Pakistan of complicity.
Pakistan denied involvement and called for an impartial investigation. In retaliation to India’s missile strikes, Pakistan launched attacks on military sites along the border with India and Indian-administered Kashmir, hitting at least four targets. The hostilities ceased four days later following a ceasefire brokered by international mediators.
While the aerial conflict ended, diplomatic relations remained frozen, and the political strain seeped into the cricket arena when Indian players exited the field without the customary handshake. Pakistani players waited expectantly for the Indian team to emerge and exchange pleasantries, but the Indian squad only greeted each other before retreating to their dressing room, leaving the Pakistani side standing by.
In response, Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, filed a formal complaint with Andy Pycroft, the ICC-accredited match referee, alleging that the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands violated cricket’s spirit. Pakistan also requested Pycroft’s removal from officiating their remaining matches, though an agreement was eventually reached allowing him to oversee Pakistan’s subsequent game against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Pakistan-UAE fixture experienced a one-hour delay as ICC officials and Pakistan’s management convened at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium prior to the match.
According to a statement from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), “Andy Pycroft has apologized to the Pakistan team’s manager and captain, describing the September 14 incident as a miscommunication.” The PCB also noted the ICC’s readiness to investigate the code of conduct breach during that match, specifically regarding Pycroft’s instruction to avoid the traditional handshake at the toss, which Pakistan contended violated the game’s regulations.
However, an ICC insider informed Al Jazeera that Pycroft did not issue an apology but rather clarified his stance. The ICC’s inquiry concluded that no disciplinary action against the Zimbabwean referee was warranted.
Andy Pycroft is scheduled to officiate the upcoming India-Pakistan match on Sunday as well.
