Asia Cup 2025 final: Will Team India continue to avoid handshake with Pakistan players?

The Asia Cup 2025 has undoubtedly become one of the most controversial multi-nation tournaments in recent times. 

Despite relatively low hype and unsold tickets at venues, the 8-team tournament grabbed headlines following the IND vs PAK clash in the group stage, when Suryakumar Yadav-led Team India avoided a handshake during the game. Tensions escalated further during their Super 4 encounter, with visible friction between players on the field. Now, India and Pakistan are set to meet once again in the continental tournament, this time in the final.

As in the group stage clash, the Indian team avoided handshakes with Pakistani players and staff in the Super 4 match. In response, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha boycotted the post-match presentation ceremony. Team India is expected to maintain the same stance in the final on Sunday.

The Indian team is refraining from any interaction with Pakistani players and staff as a form of protest against state-sponsored terrorism from the neighboring country, which resulted in the loss of 26 Indian lives in the Pahalgam terror attack.