Asia Cup, Super 4: No Handshake Policy Continues As India Opt To Field First Vs Pakistan

Dubai: There was no change in policy as Suryakumar Yadav maintained India’s no-handshake policy with Pakistan during the toss of coin in chapter 2 of the storied rivalry, this time in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup clash on Sunday.

Like he had done in last Sunday’s group league clash, the Indian captain again avoided eye contact with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Agha.

For the record, India won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first at Dubai International Stadium.

The no-courtesy approach by the Indian team on September 14, playing against Pakistan for the first time since the horrible Pahalgam terror attack, had triggered a major controversy as it caught the rivals napping.

Stung by India’s decision to refuse handshakes after the toss and post the match, Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC) against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he had prevented the captains from shaking hands.

The PCB went to the extent of almost boycotting their next game against the UAE, demanding that Pycroft be removed from duty. ICC refused Pakistan’s demand, and the match eventually started an hour late, after a meeting with the Zimbabwean referee, who reportedly apologised to Pakistan.

Ahead of today’s clash, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who is also chairman of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), met the Pakistani players and had an animated discussion with head coach Mike Hesson. Captain Agha was then summoned to drive home a few points.