Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav avoids handshake with Salman Ali Agha at toss in India-Pakistan clash

The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash at the Asia Cup 2025 began with an unusual yet expected moment at the toss at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 14. Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha and India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav were present at the middle. A gesture that caught immediate attention, the two captains did not shake hands before the game, adding to the intense atmosphere surrounding the encounter.

Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first as both sides opted to field the same playing XIs that secured them victories in their opening matches. India dominated UAE in their first outing, chasing down a modest 58-run target in just 4.3 overs, giving their net run rate a significant boost. Pakistan, on the other hand, thumped Oman by 93 runs to register a convincing start to their campaign.

With both teams entering the match unbeaten, the group-stage clash carries immense weight as the winner will not only secure crucial points but also move closer to sealing a place in the Super Fours. A defeat, meanwhile, would be a setback and create added pressure in the remaining fixture.

Beyond cricketing stakes, the fixture is laden with political overtones. Over the past decade, India and Pakistan have faced each other only in multinational and ICC tournaments, as bilateral cricket remains suspended. The backdrop of recent geopolitical tensions, particularly the Pahalgam terror attack and subsequent military escalations, has once again fueled debate about whether the two nations should continue meeting on the cricket field at all.

Sections of fans and political voices had urged India to boycott matches against Pakistan, but the Indian government cleared participation in multinational tournaments while keeping bilateral series on hold. Still, the controversy appears to have affected the mood in the Indian camp, with insiders reporting a somewhat subdued atmosphere among players in Dubai.