As India and Pakistan prepare to meet again in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 on September 21 at 8 PM IST in Dubai, the biggest question lingering is whether Pakistan will take the field amid the ongoing handshake controversy.
After India’s earlier win, tensions escalated when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav confirmed his team’s decision not to shake hands with Pakistan, calling it a “proper reply” linked to solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson later said his players were left “disappointed” after their gesture wasn’t reciprocated, and the PCB went as far as demanding the removal of ICC referee Andy Pycroft from the panel.
For a moment, Pakistan’s participation in the tournament itself seemed uncertain. However, after days of heated exchanges, the PCB ultimately decided not to boycott the Asia Cup and continued with their group-stage match against UAE.
We are yet to know if Pakistan will take any fresh stance ahead of the September 21 clash, but insiders suggest that after today’s decision of not boycotting, it is unlikely that Pakistan will repeat that stand. With both teams already qualified from Group A, the encounter remains firmly on schedule.
All eyes will now be on whether the focus shifts back to cricket, or if the handshake row continues to dominate the build-up to one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
