India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav finished things off in style in their clash against arch-rival Pakistan after a clinical seven-wicket victory in match 6 of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. However, India's one-sided win over their opponents did not grab the spotlight; rather, Suryakumar not shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha & Co. did grab headlines at the Dubai International Stadium in Dubai.
According to a Times of India report, match referee Andy Pycroft instructed Pakistan leader Salman Agha to avoid shaking hands with Suryakumar at the coin toss, and the Pakistan management has taken action by lodging a complaint against India for not showing sportsmanship.
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"The match referee, Andy Pycroft, had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at that time of the toss, not to shake hands with the Indian counterpart. The Pakistan team management lodged a protest, calling his behavior against the spirit of sports," the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
"Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behavior of the Indian team, as the ceremony host was also an Indian."
Suryakumar Yadav dedicates India's emphatic win to Pahalgam families' victims & the Indian Army
Surya in the post-match presentation, dedicated India's emphatic seven-wicket win to victims of Pahalgam families and to the Indian Army for always protecting the nation in any given circumstances.
"Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims and families of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. I want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. I hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to put a smile on their face," he said at the post-match presentation.
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After hitting the winning six, India's T20I skipper shook hands with his batting partner Shivam Dube, walked off without acknowledging the Pakistani players. A similar moment occurred in the coin toss when Surya and Salman Agha refused a customary handshake. Even broadcaster Ravi Shastri, who conducted the toss, refused to exchange pleasantries with the Pakistani skipper.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson confirmed that Salman's absence from the post-match presentation was a reaction to India's stance.
"I think it's just the flow-on effect of the fact that we were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match. That didn't happen. That was pretty much the end of it," Hesson said.
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"Obviously , we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn't do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they were already going to the changing room. That was a disappointing way for the match to end. In a match where we were already disappointed, with the way we played, we were at least willing to go and shake hands."
