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The Asia Cup 2025 has taken a tense turn as Pakistan’s cricket team, caught in a heated row over a handshake snub from their match against India, delayed their arrival for a critical Group A clash against the UAE at Dubai International Stadium.
The toss for the do-or-die match for the Men in Green is now pushed to 7:00 PM UAE time (8:30 PM IST) with the first ball at 7:30 PM UAE time (9:00 PM IST). Notably, Team Pakistan is on it's way to the stadium.
What is the handshake snub controversy between India and Pakistan?
The drama erupted after Pakistan's seven-wicket loss to India on September 14. Citing security concerns tied to the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year, India skipped the customary post-match handshakes. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, visibly upset, boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony, while coach Mike Hesson voiced frustration.
"The players were waiting along the boundary rope expecting the customary post-match handshake," Hesson said, highlighting the breach of cricket's camaraderie.
The PCB pointed fingers at match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he instructed captains to skip handshakes at the toss and even blocked team sheet exchanges, favouring India. This incident, the first India-Pakistan clash since April's cross-border tensions, turned a routine gesture into a diplomatic flashpoint, amplified by pre-tournament boycott calls.
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