“They are forced because …”: Suresh Raina reacts handles of Sunby Snub of Suryakumar Yadav with Pakistan

THE Asia Cup 2025 produced another fiery chapter of the India-Pakistan rivalry on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Team India won a commanding victory for seven counters against Pakistan. But while the cricket result made the headlines, it was the refusal of Suryakumar Yadav and his team to engage in usual handles with their Pakistani counterparts who stole the spotlight.

Indian players refuse handshakes before and after the match with their Pakistani counterparts

The drama started from the draw when the Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with the Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha – a decision that first attracted little attention, since he also jumped the gesture against the Captain of Water Muhammad Waseem earlier in the tournament.

However, after winning six and sealing the victory, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube left directly from the field in the Indian locker room. The rest of the team followed suit, ignoring the Pakistani players waiting near the border for the traditional post-match handles.

To add to the show, the whole Pakistan team – led by Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson – waited in the stadium, waiting for the ritual. Instead, the Indian camp has closed the doors of their locker room, pointing out a clear refusal.

In his post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav devoted victory to the Indian Armed Forces and expressed his solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack of Pahalgam. The decision not to shake hands was considered a symbolic gesture among the increased political and military tensions after operation Sindoor.

The Cricket Control Council in India (BCCI) had only confirmed India’s participation in the Asian Cup after receiving authorization from the government. While the Ministry of Sports has made it possible to participate in multilateral tournaments, bilateral cricket with Pakistan remains suspended.

Also look: the high drama takes place while Team India Snobs Pakistan in the handshake of the Asian Cup 2025

Suresh Raina reacts to the refusal of India in the handshake

The former India cricket player, Suresh Raina, has now aroused a debate with his explosive remarks. Addressing Sports Tak, Raina said that Indian players did not want to participate personally against Pakistan, suggesting that they were forced by the directives of the higher authorities.

“I know something for sure. If you personally ask players, none of them want to play the Asian Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has accepted. Raina said.

His comments sparked new conversations around the mental and emotional assessment on the players who are made between cricket commitments and public feeling.

Boycott calls in the middle of the Asian Cup campaign

The boycott account surrounding this confrontation had already disturbed the Indian locker room before the match. While the head coach Gautam Gambir Would have urged players to focus on cricket and avoid distractions, the team’s refusal to exchange jokes has now amplified the political nuances of the Asian Cup.

Interesting, it could be just the start. With the suitors of India and Pakistan to reach the super four great stage and perhaps the final, fans can attend both games against twice more during the tournament.

Read also: Asia Cup 2025-Pakistani head coach Mike Hesson dates back to the “disappointing” refusal of India in the post-match handle