The festive build-up to the 2025 Asia Cup has been clouded by means of political tensions between India and Pakistan within the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror assault and next cross-border firing. The debate deepened at Tuesday’s pre-tournament press convention in Dubai, when consideration shifted to a handshake between India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Internal Minister Mohsin Naqvi.Early on, social media was once abuzz with claims that Surya and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha had refused to shake arms.
On the other hand, video pictures later disproved the rumours, appearing Surya exchanging pleasantries as a substitute with Naqvi, who additionally serves as PCB chairman and ACC leader, along with his political submit.Clips of the handshake briefly went viral, fuelling backlash amongst Indian lovers. Naqvi, recognized for his anti-India rhetoric in media, greeted all captains on the match. However his twin position as a political determine and cricket administrator has made the optics particularly arguable.“Pakistan subsidized terrorists killed two of our bravehearts these days and the bcci captain has all of the smiles on his face whilst assembly Mohsin Naqvi , PCB Chairman who sought after a nuclear assault on Bharat Mata. If that is sports activities international relations than in fact this a Charlie international relations,” Main Pawan Kumar, Shaurya Chakra (Retd) wrote.
One outraged person wrote: “Captain Suryakumar Yadav handshake with Pakistan’s Internal Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who not too long ago threatened India after Operation Sindoor. I don’t know the way those other people see their faces in replicate. They kill our blameless other people & right here we’re handshaking with them. Shameful!!”“We’re sorry to all of the Pahalgam sufferers. We’re sorry to all of the jawans. Cricket international relations is extra necessary for our country,” an person wrote.“How can any person justify smiling whilst those that hurt our other people pass unchallenged? Blameless lives misplaced, and right here we’re… handshakes and smiles. Completely shameful,” every other person wrote.“Disgrace on you Suryakumar Yadav. Disgrace on BCCI,” a fan wrote.The Asia Cup structure has positioned India and Pakistan in the similar workforce, that means they may face every different as much as thrice within the coming weeks.India start their marketing campaign in opposition to hosts UAE on September 10, whilst Pakistan open in opposition to Oman on September 12. The high-voltage India-Pakistan conflict is slated for September 14.India, with 8 titles, stay probably the most a hit facet in Asia Cup historical past. However as soon as once more, it’s the political backdrop — and the India-Pakistan competition — that dominates conversations across the match.