Suryakumar Yadav Explains India’s No-Handshake Decision After Asia Cup 2025 Win vs Pakistan

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by

Himanshu
in

The India–Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 in Dubai was already a high-voltage affair, but the “handshake controversy” that followed turned it into a headline story. After the match, Pakistani players lined up for a handshake — but Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, walked off.

Now, Suryakumar Yadav has spoken openly about why India decided not to participate in the post-match ritual, putting to rest speculation and accusations.

What Happened on the Ground

StageDetails
Post-match ScenePakistani team waited for handshake; India exited to the dressing room.
Media ReactionClips went viral, with pundits questioning India’s sportsmanship.
PCB ProtestPakistan lodged a formal complaint with the tournament committee.
India RespondsCaptain Suryakumar Yadav publicly explained the move in his press conference.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Statement: Key Points

Suryakumar Yadav’s press conference was the clearest explanation yet. He highlighted that:

  • Decision was pre-planned: “We had already decided before the match not to engage in the handshake ritual.”
  • Guidance from authorities: He indicated the move was in line with BCCI and government direction — reflecting national sentiment rather than individual players’ choices.
  • Sportsmanship vs. solidarity: Yadav stressed that “a few things in life are ahead of sport,” signalling that moral and political considerations were more important at this moment.
  • Performance speaks louder than gestures: “We gave our reply on the field” — meaning India’s decisive win was their statement.

This makes it clear the decision wasn’t spur-of-the-moment or disrespectful but a symbolic stand.

Are Handshakes Compulsory in Cricket?

There’s a lot of confusion about whether India “broke a rule.” The reality:

Rule/ProtocolHandshake Compulsory?
ICC Code of Conduct❌ No – players must avoid misconduct, but handshake is not mandated.
Tournament ProtocolsOptional – organisers may encourage but cannot force.

So India did not breach any ICC regulation. The handshake is a customary gesture, not a legal requirement.

Why Suryakumar’s Explanation Matters

This was not just a statement; it was a leadership moment. By speaking clearly and calmly, Yadav:

  • Defused rumours that India acted out of arrogance.
  • Highlighted that team decisions can reflect national sentiment, not just sporting ritual.
  • Shifted the conversation from “sportsmanship” to “context and rules.”

In a region where cricket is often intertwined with politics, such a clear articulation helps keep tensions from spiralling further.

The Bigger Picture

India’s decision — as explained by Suryakumar Yadav — is an assertion that public sentiment and national dignity sometimes take precedence over symbolic gestures. Pakistan’s protest may earn headlines, but it ignores the reality that handshakes are not compulsory and that the current climate is far from normal.

Conclusion

Suryakumar Yadav’s explanation gives clarity: India did not “snub” Pakistan; it acted according to pre-decided policy, within the rules of cricket. Instead of prolonging the row, Pakistan would do well to respect the context and focus on the game itself.

Disclaimer

This article is an independent commentary based on publicly available statements. It reflects the author’s analysis and does not represent the official position of any cricket board or government.