Asia Cup 2025: “No need to make a big issue”- Kapil Dev says focus on cricket after handshake controversy; backs India to win the title

India and Pakistan will again face off on September 21 in Dubai in Super Four stage.

The Pakistani cricket team should concentrate on improving their performances rather than becoming involved in scandals like the recent handshake incident during the Asia Cup match against India, said former Indian captain Kapil Dev. 

The World Cup-winning captain underlined that debates about such gestures don't really improve cricket; they only divert attention away from the game itself.

Pakistan lodged an objection with the ICC after Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistani players before and after their recent Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai on Sunday, September 14.

Math referee Andy Pycroft was accused by the PCB of telling Salman Agha, the captain of Pakistan, not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav. Following India's 7-wicket victory against Pakistan, the Men in Blue failed to shake hands with the Pakistanis and even closed the dressing room doors.

The fact that Suryakumar Yadav honored the victims of the Pahalgam terror assault and dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces for Operation Sindoor also infuriated PCB.

India's 1983 World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev, told ANI that both teams should always focus their real attention on the field of play and that these situations are usually overblown.

"They are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for either side. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial... Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one's personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug,” Kapil Dev said to ANI.  

Kapil Dev also backed the Indian team to successfully defend the Asia Cup title. With one game remaining, Suryakumar Yadav and co. have already advanced to the tournament's Super Four stage. On Friday, they will play Oman in their last Group A game.

"The Indian team has been playing very well for the past 20 years. The team performs exceptionally well in ICC tournaments. Our cricket is very organized...I am hopeful that Team India will win the Asia Cup 2025," he said.

India will again face Pakistan on September 21 in the Super Four stage in Dubai.