The Asia Cup Group A clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday ended on an unusual note as players from both sides did not shake hands after the match.
Earlier, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Agha Salman also skipped the customary pre-toss handshake, a moment that drew attention given the tradition of captains greeting each other before internationals.
Instead, both skippers handed their team sheets to match referee Andy Pycroft and spoke with commentator Ravi Shastri, who conducted the toss, before walking away without eye contact or gestures.
Citing a BCCI source, PTI reported there was no breach of conduct: tournament protocols vary, and a handshake at the toss isn’t always mandated.
The official noted that Suryakumar also did not shake hands with UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem during the previous match’s toss.
This was the teams’ first meeting since the Pahalgam terror attacks in April, followed by Indian military action across the border in May.
Despite the tense backdrop, the Indian camp said the focus remained on cricket, with players aware of emotions around the fixture but determined to approach it professionally.
