Indian Players Skip Handshake with Pakistan After Asia Cup Win: Madan Lal Backs Stance Amid Pahalgam Terror Attack
In a tense Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai, Indian cricketers made headlines by refusing to shake hands with Pakistan after their easy victory. Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has come out in strong support, saying terrorism and sports simply can’t mix.
The drama started even before the game began. India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman skipped the traditional post-toss handshake. They avoided eye contact and didn’t extend their hands, setting a serious tone right from the start. This bold move ties back to the heartbreaking terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 tourists on April 22. The incident has strained India-Pakistan relations, and the cricket team chose to stand in solidarity with the victims.
India chased down Pakistan’s low total of 128 runs with ease, thanks to Suryakumar’s massive six that sealed the seven-wicket win. Right after, he and teammate Shivam Dube headed straight to the dressing room, skipping any post-match pleasantries with the opponents.
Madan Lal, speaking to , praised the decision. "It’s their call," the 74-year-old said. "They mentioned it’s to support the Pahalgam victims. I agree—terrorism and sports cannot go together. But remember, it’s still a game. India played and won, and that’s the best response."
India’s all-round dominance left Pakistan reeling in the T20 clash. Madan Lal didn’t hold back on the win: "Congratulations to the team! We won convincingly. We’re the better side, and our players shone. This wasn’t Pakistan’s game at all—they lacked merit. Their batting had no class, and their shots made them look like a weak team."
Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the Pahalgam victims and saluted the bravery of India’s armed forces. Madan Lal backed this too, noting, "On the world stage, these decisions come from the top. He spoke from the heart and honored the victims."
The Asia Cup 2025 continues to heat up, with India-Pakistan rivalry always drawing massive attention. Fans are buzzing about how politics and sports intersect in these high-stakes matches.
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