The high-voltage India vs Pakistan group match in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 may have ended with India’s seven-wicket triumph on September 14, but the drama off the field is only getting bigger.
The much-talked-about “handshake” controversy has now taken a fresh turn, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) preparing to lodge a formal complaint against Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav.
As reported by NDTV, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is upset over Suryakumar Yadav’s post-match comments.
The Indian captain had dedicated the Men in Blue’s seven-wicket victory over Pakistan to India’s armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor and extended solidarity to the families impacted by the tragic Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year in April.
PCB set to register a complaint against Suryakumar Yadav over his post-match remarks
The PCB believes this was a political statement made by Suryakumar Yadav on an international cricket platform. The report reads, “Sources told NDTV that the PCB views this as a political statement made on a sporting platform, which they believe violates the spirit of the game.”
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Tensions had already escalated after the Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the game, breaking a long-standing tradition of goodwill and sportsmanship. This move left the Pakistan camp frustrated and saddened.
To make matters louder, former PCB chairman and Pakistan captain Rameez Raja added fuel to the fire by highlighting that Suryakumar Yadav’s words during the post-match presentation were far more damaging than the handshake controversy itself. Raja said that the Indian captain erased the line between politics and cricket with his statement.
What had Suryakumar Yadav said?
The Indian captain had said after beating Pakistan in the group match at the post-match presentation, “Perfect occasion, taking the time out—we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.”
The controversy has now reached the International Cricket Council (ICC), which has given the PCB a deadline until Sunday, September 21, to file an official complaint if they wish to take the matter forward. If Pakistan goes ahead, this could add even more drama and spark one of the most heated disputes between the PCB and BCCI in recent years.
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India and Pakistan ready to revive rivalry on September 21
Meanwhile, the stage is set for one of the most electrifying battles of the Asia Cup 2025. On Sunday, September 21, India and Pakistan will revive their fierce rivalry in the Super Four stage at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, promising fireworks both on and off the field.
Pakistan booked their ticket to the Super Fours after a hard-fought 41-run win over the UAE on September 17.
Batting first, the Men in Green posted 146 for 9 in their 20 overs, and then their bowlers rose to the occasion, restricting the UAE to just 105 runs. The victory set up the blockbuster showdown that fans across the world have been waiting for.