The events that unfolded after the India vs Pakistan match at the Asia Cup on Sunday, left the latter more disappointed than their own performance. After a thumping seven-wicket win, the Indian team under Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with the PAK side, and headed straight to the dressing room. And when the performance should have been the talking point, the Pakistanis made the ‘no handshake’ an issue.
Indians make stand clear
At the post-match press conference, Surya made it clear that it was a decision taken keeping in mind the sentiments of the nation, following the Pahalgam attack. “Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families 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 put a smile on their face,” he said.
No handshake means, No
But Salman Ali Agha wasn’t a happy man. As revealed by coach Mike Hesson, the Pakistani team waited on the field for handshake, but the Indian team did not turn up. And as a result, PAK skipper boycotted the PC. “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We are disappointed that our opposition did not do that. We went over there to shake hands but they had already gone to the change room. It was obviously disappointing way to for the match to finish.”
To add salt to their wounds, the Indian team shut the dressing room door as well, sending a strong signal too. That is when Hesson and Agha came to the dressing room for a handshake.
