India and Pakistan are gearing up for their second clash in the Asia Cup 2025, set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, September 21. The previous meeting between the two arch-rivals ended in a comfortable Indian win but cricket was not the only talking point.
A post-match gesture (or rather the lack of it) created headlines worldwide. The absence of a handshake after India's 7-wicket win on September 14 has now raised the question: what happens in round two?
Add The Sporting News as a preferred news source
Will Suryakumar Yadav repeat the no-handshake stance?
The flashpoint came after India's win on September 14 when Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates walked away without shaking hands with Pakistan players. That moment ignited the "No handshake" row which overshadowed India's dominant win.
The PCB formally raised the matter with the ICC while also pushing for match referee Andy Pycroft's removal. A BCCI official later explained that there is no binding rule on handshakes.
More: Asia Cup 2025 Super 4: Rules, format, schedule, points and teams explained
He described it as a custom rather than an obligation. Still, the spotlight is firmly on Suryakumar ahead of the Super 4 clash with many waiting to see if the same stance will be taken again.
ICC response and Pakistan's position
Despite Pakistan's two written complaints, the ICC took no action against Pycroft. Reports suggest Pakistan briefly considered boycotting the tournament before opting to play on, eventually qualifying for the Super Four with a win over the UAE.
The episode has kept the tension alive beyond the boundary line.
India's momentum heading into Dubai
On the field, India enter the Dubai clash in commanding form. Suryakumar's side has registered two convincing wins while Pakistan's batting has shown signs of struggle under pressure.
India face Oman on September 19 before turning their focus to their arch-rivals and their bowlers will be keen to repeat the damage from the first meeting. The cricket is set to take centre stage once again but whether the post-match handshake becomes a fresh flashpoint will be just as closely watched.
RELATED LINKS:
- Who will win the Asia Cup 2025? Latest odds, favourites
- Asia Cup 2025: TV channel online live stream and how to watch the T20 tournament from India
- How to bet online on cricket in India and most trusted sites
- All the latest cricket news
- 2025 Asia Cup schedule, fixtures, match times, latest results and points table
- Asia Cup 2025 highest wicket-takers: Top 5 bowlers with most wickets in the T20 tournament in UAE
- Asia Cup 2025 highest run scorers: Top 5 batters with most runs in the T20 tournament in UAE