Goa, Sept. 14 -- The Dubai International Stadium was buzzing with excitement as India's Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan's Salman Ali Agha walked out for the toss in the Asia Cup 2025 clash. But what caught everyone's attention was the absence of the customary handshake between the two captains. After handing the team lists to the umpire and a short exchange with commentator Ravi Shastri, both walked straight back to their dressing rooms.

According to media reports, Suryakumar had informed his teammates earlier in the day that he would not be shaking hands with the Pakistani skipper. He clarified it was his personal choice, and others were free to follow their own decision.

The tension stemmed from the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26...