“India Dedicates Asia Cup Victory to Pahalgam Victims, Skips Handshakes with Pakistan in Solidarity”
The cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan once again spilled beyond the boundary ropes, but this time for reasons much deeper than the game itself.
During their Asia Cup clash in Dubai on Sunday, the Indian team chose not to engage in the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts, a gesture that sparked protest from Pakistan but carried profound meaning for India.
Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha had reportedly been snubbed at the toss by Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, who declined the traditional handshake.
Later, Yadav explained his stance with a statement that went beyond cricket: “I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsmen’s spirit also.”
The Indian camp made it clear that the decision stemmed from their collective grief and solidarity with the victims of the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack, in which 26 Indian tourists were brutally killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists.
The attack had shaken the conscience of the nation, and the Indian players wanted to send a powerful message — that while the game matters, humanity and remembrance of the innocent lives lost matter more.
In his post-match remarks, Yadav made it explicit: “This is the perfect occasion to state that we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who carried out Operation Sindoor with immense bravery. Our hearts are with the families who lost their loved ones. As cricketers, whenever we win, we want to give them reasons to smile again.”
India’s coach Gautam Gambhir, known for his strong nationalistic voice, stood firmly behind his captain. He emphasized that the victory against Pakistan was not just another win on the field, but a symbolic dedication to the victims and the forces who defended the country.
“This match was important for us to show solidarity with the families of the Pahalgam victims and to thank our armed forces for the successful Operation Sindoor. The nation needed healing, and this was our small way of contributing to it,” Gambhir told the broadcasters.
Meanwhile, Pakistan expressed displeasure, with their manager Naveed Cheema lodging an official protest with the Asian Cricket Council over what they called “unsporting behaviour.”
Pakistan’s captain Agha skipped the post-match press conference as a sign of protest, while their coach Mike Hesson admitted disappointment at India’s refusal to shake hands.
But for India, the context was far larger than the cricket field. Every Indian carries deep affection and sorrow for the innocent tourists who were massacred in cold blood at Pahalgam.
The nation has been mourning their loss, and the Indian cricket team mirrored that collective emotion by making a poignant choice — prioritizing solidarity and remembrance over customary courtesies.
On the field, India thrashed Pakistan by seven wickets in a dominant display. Off the field, they reminded the world that sports can also serve as a platform to uphold values, honour sacrifices, and stand by the grieving.
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