Gavaskar Supports Suryakumar Yadav in Handshake Row
India’s narrow 7-run win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on September 14 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium was overshadowed by an unusual controversy. After the game, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and his teammates decided against shaking hands with Pakistan’s players, a move that drew sharp reactions from both fans and officials.
In response, Pakistan captain Salman Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation, leaving only the Indian captain to share his thoughts with the audience. The incident quickly escalated, but legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar stepped in to support Yadav while questioning Agha’s protest.
Gavaskar Stands By Indian Captain
Speaking to India Today, Gavaskar said that politics and cricket have always been connected and that Yadav’s decision deserved no criticism.
“Sports and politics have never been separate – you only need to look back over the years to see that. I wouldn’t criticise someone for taking that stance, and I wouldn’t want to get into a debate about it. When you start discussing political references, you get into policies and complexities that are frankly beyond my pay grade,” Gavaskar said.
He further explained that the presentation ceremony mattered little without the words of the winning captain.
“I don’t think it made much difference anyway – people mainly wanted to hear what the winning captain had to say, not excuses from the other side,” he added.
Pakistan Captain’s Boycott Questioned
The former India skipper also addressed the tension behind the no-handshake episode, pointing out that respect on the field cannot be forced.
“If someone has been calling you names, then there is no question of shaking hands,” Gavaskar remarked. “I didn’t actually see it myself, but ultimately it’s up to each individual what they want to do. On the field, there are times when people abuse you and say things that aren’t acceptable. If someone has been calling you names, asking that you go and shake hands with them is too much to expect.”
“I don’t know exactly what happened on the field or whether words were exchanged, but if an individual decides not to shake hands, they are perfectly within their rights to do so,” he added.
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