The highly anticipated Super Four clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 has been marred by a recent "handshake controversy," and reports suggest Pakistan has made a last-minute addition to their squad to address team morale. The match is scheduled for September 21 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Tensions between the two teams escalated after their previous encounter on September 14, when the Indian team walked off the field without engaging in the customary post-match handshakes with the Pakistani players. This perceived snub led to an official complaint from Pakistan's manager to the ICC match referee, Andy Pycroft, and a boycott of the post-match presentation by Pakistan's captain, Agha Salman. Some reports indicated that Pycroft had actually advised the captains to skip the handshakes at the toss, but this was not clearly communicated to the Pakistani side.
In response to the controversy and the team's recent loss to India, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reportedly brought in a motivational speaker, Dr. Raheel, to address the squad and boost their spirits ahead of the crucial match. This move highlights the psychological impact of the ongoing controversy and the pressure on the Pakistani team.
Adding to the drama, Pakistan cancelled their pre-match press conference, mirroring their approach before their match against the UAE. This decision, coupled with the handshake controversy, suggests a tense atmosphere within the Pakistan camp. There are reports that the PCB even threatened to withdraw from the tournament at one point, before settling the matter with the ICC.
Despite the PCB's complaints, the ICC has stood by its decision to appoint Andy Pycroft as the match referee for the Super Four clash. This decision has further fueled the controversy, with some Pakistani officials alleging that Pycroft was responsible for the miscommunication regarding the handshakes.
Meanwhile, India seems to be downplaying the controversy, with captain Suryakumar Yadav evading questions about the handshake incident and emphasizing that his team is focused on the game itself. Yadav said that he has asked his players to "shut the noise". It is expected that India will make a few changes to their lineup, with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy returning to the playing XI after being rested in the previous match.
Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has also weighed in on the handshake controversy, dismissing it as an overreaction and suggesting that the teams should play with full intensity, without protests.
The Super Four match between India and Pakistan is expected to be a highly charged affair, both on and off the field. The handshake controversy and Pakistan's last-minute addition of a motivational speaker underscore the immense pressure and political undertones surrounding this high-stakes encounter.
