India captain Suryakumar Yadav has reportedly told the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) that he will not accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy from Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman and ACC President Mohsin Naqvi if India clinches the title.
This development comes in the wake of the “no‑handshake” controversy during the India vs Pakistan match on September 14, where Indian players including Yadav did not engage in the customary handshake with Pakistani counterparts. The gesture has been interpreted by many as a mark of solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, and it has become a flash point in wider India‑Pakistan tensions.
Yadav’s stance reportedly extends beyond just the handshake. Sources say India may refuse to share the victory dais with Naqvi at the final presentation ceremony on September 28, should India emerge victorious.
Reactions from Pakistan Board and Broader Implications
The Pakistan Cricket Board has responded with strong words. They have lodged formal complaints with both the ACC and the ICC, criticizing the referee Andy Pycroft over actions taken during the India‑Pakistan match, especially relating to the handshake protocol.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed disappointment, stating that the spirit of sportsmanship is being compromised and politics being unnecessarily drawn into the game.
For India and their board management, the decisions appear to be symbolic and carefully considered. The refusal to shake hands, and now the potential refusal to accept the trophy from Naqvi, seem intended as gestures of protest rather than spontaneous reaction.
