“Some things are beyond sportsmanship” - Suryakumar Yadav on skipping post-match handshakes against Pakistan

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has finally revealed the actual reason behind not shaking hands with the Pakistan players after the team’s seven-wicket win on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.

Delving into the details of the incident, the Indian batters Suryakumar and Shivam Dube calmly walked off the field after winning the game without shaking hands with Pakistani players. While the Pakistan players waited near the Indian dugout for the customary handshakes, no one from the Indian side came out to greet them.

Speaking about the same, Suryakumar, who attended the post-match presentation, has stated that it was a team call, and some things are beyond sportsmanship. Also, he dedicated the victory to the armed forces and stood with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in 'Operation Sindoor' and stand with families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack," said Suryakumar in the post-match presentation.

On the other hand, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who waited for the customary handshakes, didn’t attend the post-match presentation ceremony after the handshake controversy. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson revealed that the skipper was unhappy with the opposition for their post-match behaviour.

"We wanted to shake hands but disappointed that the opposition didn't do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands. Salman not coming for the post-match presentation was cause and effect after what happened," Hesson said in the post-match press conference.

Speaking about the game, India annihilated Pakistani bowlers with a seven-wicket win over them with 4.1 overs remaining. Men In Blue are currently dominating the points table in Group A with the pole position. Star spinner Kuldeep Yadav (3/18) continued his heroics and was adjudged the player of the match for the second consecutive time in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 campaign.

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