Dubai witnessed another tense chapter in the India-Pakistan rivalry during the Asia Cup Super Four clash on Sunday. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav once again avoided the customary handshake with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss, continuing the off-field controversy that began during the group-stage encounter.
After winning the toss, India elected to field first, with Yadav explaining that heavy dew during Saturday’s training influenced the decision. “Looks a nice track and yesterday there was dew. Since the first round we’ve been thinking we’re playing a knockout tournament, so nothing changes,” he said. India also made two changes, bringing back Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy for Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana, signaling their intent to go full strength.
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, meanwhile, expressed a calm and professional outlook. “Would’ve bowled first as well. It’s a new game, new challenge. The mood is very normal. Pitch looks to be on the slower side. Want to start well with both bat and ball. Two changes: Hasan Nawaz and Khushdil Shah not playing,” he said.
Adding to the pre-match drama, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi paid a surprise visit to the Pakistan nets at the ICC Academy, holding a detailed discussion with head coach Mike Hesson and calling in captain Agha to underline key points ahead of the clash.
The handshake row had previously overshadowed India-Pakistan group-stage action. Yadav’s refusal to shake hands and India leaving the field post-match prompted a PCB complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, with Pakistan even threatening to boycott their next fixture against the UAE. The ICC later cleared Pycroft, confirming that India had chosen not to shake hands, yet the referee was appointed again for this Super Four clash.
Sunday’s toss confirmed that off-field tensions continue to parallel on-field contests. While cricket will decide the winner, the ongoing diplomatic gestures and no-handshake stance kept the spotlight firmly on the historic India-Pakistan rivalry.