Salam Bayash, the childhood coach of Indian batter Tilak Varma, has voiced his support for the Indian cricket team's decision not to shake hands with the Pakistan team after their Asia Cup 2025 final victory. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Bayash emphasized the importance of remembering the pain India has endured, seemingly referencing the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and ongoing military tensions.
India secured their ninth Asia Cup title after a thrilling match against Pakistan. Tilak Varma played a crucial role, scoring an unbeaten 69 off 51 balls to guide India to a five-wicket victory. India chased down a target of 147, overcoming early setbacks that saw them reduced to 20/3. Varma formed vital partnerships with Sanju Samson and Shivam Dube to stabilize the innings. Rinku Singh ultimately sealed the win with a boundary.
The match was filled with twists and turns. Pakistan initially seemed to be heading for a large total, reaching 113/1 in the 13th over. However, Indian spinners triggered a dramatic collapse, with Kuldeep Yadav taking four wickets, including three in the 17th over. Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakravarthy also contributed, leading to Pakistan being bowled out for 146 in 19.1 overs.
Following the victory, the Indian team declined to accept the Asia Cup 2025 trophy and awards from the Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. This decision was reportedly influenced by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and military tensions. The team later held a mock celebration with an imaginary trophy.
The "no handshake" controversy involving Suryakumar Yadav earlier in the tournament had already heightened tensions surrounding the high-profile rivalry. Some former Pakistani cricketers have criticized India's stance, accusing them of playing politics.
Industrialist Anand Mahindra lauded the Indian team's performance, particularly their self-belief. He noted how the bowlers recovered after Pakistan's strong start and how the batsmen remained composed despite the early loss of wickets. Mahindra described their self-belief as "the true Brahmastra of a nation".
India had also previously defeated Pakistan in the Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup, winning by six wickets. Abhishek Sharma's impressive 74 off 39 balls propelled India to their highest successful T20I run chase against Pakistan.
