DUBAI: India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup clash at Dubai Stadium on Sunday was eclipsed by off-field drama after Indian players skipped the customary post-match handshake.
Instead of greeting their opponents, the Indian team walked straight to the dressing room. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson later approached the Indian camp, but no players came out.
Coach Mike Hesson called it “a disappointing way for the match to end.”
“We were ready to shake hands at the end, but the opposition had already gone to the dressing room,” he said.
Facing questions at the press conference, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav defended his team’s conduct: “Some things are above sportsmanship. Is it really sportsmanship if you don’t even shake hands with the other team?” That was our answer.”
The handshake issue had also come up earlier when Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha did not shake hands at the toss.
A mix-up with Pakistan’s anthem before the start had already made the atmosphere tense.
