Source: Alamy Stock Photo

Handshake snub sparks tension as India defeat Pakistan at Asia Cup

India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in Dubai was overshadowed by a post-match controversy, after Pakistan coach Mike Hesson claimed that Indian players refused to take part in the customary handshake.

According to Hesson, Pakistan’s players walked towards India’s dugout at the end of the match only to find their opponents had already returned to the dressing room. Even at the toss, there had been no handshake between captains Salman Agha and Suryakumar Yadav.

The snub came against the backdrop of heightened political tension. In April, a militant attack in Pahalgam killed 25 Indian tourists and a Nepali national, triggering four days of military confrontation between the two nations—the most serious escalation in decades. India accused Pakistan of orchestrating the attack, a charge Islamabad denied.

At the presentation, Suryakumar framed the win as a symbolic response: “This is a perfect return gift to India. We dedicate it to the victims and families of the terror attack and to our armed forces for their bravery.” Pakistan captain Agha declined to speak, with Hesson later describing that silence as a “flow-on” from the handshake dispute.

On the field, India dominated from start to finish. Pakistan’s innings never recovered from a shaky start as Jasprit Bumrah removed both openers early. Wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and left-armer Axar Patel (2-18) dismantled the middle order, restricting Pakistan to 127-9 despite Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo of 33 not out.

India chased the target with ease. Abhishek Sharma provided early impetus with a brisk 31, while Suryakumar finished unbeaten on 47, sealing victory with a towering six and ensuring India maintained their perfect start to the Asia Cup.

With both teams still in contention, another meeting later in the tournament remains possible—an encounter likely to be charged with even greater intensity given the political and sporting backdrop.

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