Mumbai: The Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistani cricketers, post the toss and after the Asia Cup clash, has sparked a controversy.
Pakistan skipper Salman Agha refused to turn up at the post-match presentation ceremony, and their team management lodged a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft.
It was the first time the arch rivals were facing off after the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, and India went ahead with the match at Dubai despite millions back home seeking a boycott.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Men in Blue made it clear that they were interested only in going about their business, without extending any courtesies.
Former Team India batter Suresh Raina has now revealed that none of the Indian players wanted to play the game against Pakistan, in sync with the mood of the nation, but they were left with no choice since the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had agreed to play the tournament.
“I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none of them wants to play the Asia Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad that India are playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have said no. None of them wanted to play,” Raina said on Sports Tak.
After India hammered Pakistan by 7 wickets, skipper Suryakumar conveyed a message of solidarity to the victims of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.