Team India will not be sharing the stage with Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi if the Suryakumar Yadav-led side qualifies for the Asia Cup 2025 final, news agency PTI reported.
Naqvi, who is Pakistan's Minister of Interior and Narcotics Control, currently serves the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) as President. Hence, it is expected that he will be the one to hand over the coveted trophy and prizes to the players after the title clash on September 28.
According to the report, the Men in Blue are not willing to share the stage with Naqvi—a stance in line with their decision not to shake hands with Pakistan players.
"It is reliably learnt that if India make the tournament's final on September 28, the players won't be sharing the presentation dais with Naqvi, who is expected to hand over the winner's trophy as ACC head," the report stated.
The high-stake clash in Dubai on Sunday started with captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha making no handshake at the toss. However, this wasn't considered a big deal as the Indian skipper had also not shaken hands with the UAE captain Muhammad Waseem.
However, drama unfolded after Suryakumar hit the winning six. He and Shivam Dube charged into the dressing room without shaking hands with the Pakistan players.
At first, it seemed that even the Men in Green were not interested in offering the handshake. But things took a turn when the entire Pakistan lineup, led by Salman and coach Mike Hesson, approached the Indian dressing room, waiting for the customary handshakes. Soon, the Indian camp shut the door, firmly closing any chance of exchanging post-match pleasantries.
The handshake gate prompted PCB to lodge a protest with the ICC, demanding match referee Andy Pycroft’s removal.
“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket. The PCB has demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup," Naqvi said in a social media post on Monday.
Meanwhile, a report published in India Today claims that Suryakumar Yadav will continue to avoid shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha in the ongoing Asia Cup. The bitter rivals might face each other twice more in the competition, provided both teams qualify for Super 4s and final.
“India will not face any sanction from either the Asian Cricket Council or the International Cricket Council for refusing handshakes with Pakistan players. While greeting opponents and exchanging pleasantries is encouraged under the spirit of cricket, it is not mandatory,” sources said, as quoted by India Today.
