India captain Suryakumar Yadav said his team delivered “a proper reply” by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan after their Asia Cup victory in Dubai. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson later admitted his players were “ready” for the gesture and “disappointed” when it did not happen.
Unusual scenes followed the T20I as Suryakumar sealed the match with a six, walked over to partner Shivam Dube for a handshake, and then headed straight off the field without acknowledging the opposition. There was also no handshake at the toss between Suryakumar and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha.
“Our government and the BCCI were aligned. We came here to play the game, and we gave the proper reply,” Suryakumar said in the post-match press conference.
Pressed further on the issue, he added:
“See how it is. I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsmanship. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and their families. We dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. They continue to inspire us, and whenever possible, we will try to inspire them in return.”
Pakistan’s coach confirmed the stance had left his players taken aback.
“I think it was just a flow-on effect,” Hesson explained. “We were obviously keen to engage and shake hands at the end of the match. That didn’t happen. We went over there, but they were already heading to the dressing room. That was a disappointing way for things to finish.”
On the pitch, India’s dominance was clear, and Suryakumar revealed the team’s composure came partly from shutting out external distractions.
“All the players and staff agreed on the first day we came here that we’d cut the outside noise by 75–80%,” he said. “I don’t know what’s happening outside because my team keeps me away from it. Only then can you execute with a clear mind and give your 100%. The support of the crowd helps too.”
