The Asia Cup 2025 commenced with a match between Afghanistan and Hong Kong on September 9th, while India is slated to play its first match on September 10th against the UAE. A pre-tournament press conference was organized, bringing together all team captains, where an unexpected situation unfolded between Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha.
The pre-tournament press conference saw a lack of formal greeting between the Indian and Pakistani captains, which caused a stir among cricket enthusiasts. While the press conference included all team captains, Suryakumar and Salman maintained distance.
Following the conference, Suryakumar engaged with other captains, including Rashid Khan of Afghanistan, but had no interaction with Salman. Interestingly, Suryakumar did shake hands with Mohsin Nakvi, the head of the Asian Cricket Council and Pakistan Cricket Board. This event is viewed in light of the current tensions between India and Pakistan. The recent Palghagum attack has contributed to the strained relations. Some individuals in India voiced opposition to playing against Pakistan in the Asia Cup and even called for a withdrawal from the tournament.
Matches between India and Pakistan have historically been more than just sporting events; they’ve represented a platform for heightened emotions. The recent situation further highlights the on-field tensions. Fans are eagerly anticipating the highly anticipated contest, where both teams are expected to intensify their rivalry.