IND vs PAK: Suryakumar Yadav Again Avoids Handshake With Salman Agha, Cites Pahalgam Attack

India captain Suryakumar Yadav once again chose not to shake hands with Pakistan skipper Salman Agha during the Asia Cup 2025, maintaining his stance in support of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The 35-year-old reiterated that the decision was taken collectively by the team management, BCCI, and the government to uphold national sentiment.

After India's earlier clash with Pakistan on September 14, Suryakumar had explained that the squad deliberately avoided handshakes with the Pakistani players as a gesture of solidarity with the families of the 26 civilians who lost their lives in the April 22 Pahalgam attack. The same approach was followed again before the Super Four match.

"Our government and BCCI were aligned on this decision. We came here to play cricket, and we've given our reply in the right way. There are some things in life that go beyond sportsmanship. As I've already mentioned at the presentation, we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks, their families, and express our solidarity," Suryakumar said.