“Let’s Wait 24 Hours,” Says Indian Captain Before Crucial World Cup Encounter
India captain Suryakumar Yadav has chosen to remain tight-lipped on whether Indian players will shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during their much-anticipated Group A clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Colombo on Saturday, Suryakumar avoided giving a direct response when asked about the handshake protocol ahead of Sunday’s match at the R. Premadasa Stadium, located in Colombo.
“Wait for 24 hours. Eat well, sleep well, we will see tomorrow,” Suryakumar told reporters, keeping fans and media guessing. He later added that the focus should remain on cricket rather than off-field narratives.
“What’s more important is the game. Let’s play the match first. Whether the handshake happens or not, we’ll see tomorrow,” he said.
Background of Recent Tensions
The handshake issue has gained prominence due to past incidents, particularly during the Asia Cup 2025, where India and Pakistan met three times without exchanging post-match pleasantries. Those encounters came in the aftermath of regional tensions, which heightened emotions on both sides.
During that tournament, India’s refusal to shake hands reportedly upset the Pakistan Cricket Board, which later lodged a complaint with the International Cricket Council. The PCB claimed that match referee Andy Pycroft failed to enforce the spirit of the game.
Pakistan Captain Calls for Sportsmanship
Earlier, Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha also addressed the issue, emphasizing fair play and mutual respect.
“The game should be played in the right spirit. What I expect doesn’t matter. It depends on what the other side wants,” Agha said, urging both teams to uphold cricketing values.
Focus Remains on the Big Match
Despite the surrounding controversy, Suryakumar insisted that his team remains focused on performance rather than symbolism.
“We were prepared for all fixtures. Our flights were booked. We were focused only on preparation,” he stated.
He also acknowledged the pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan encounter.
“It’s a big occasion. You may call it just another game, but deep down, you know its importance. We try to keep things simple and execute our plans,” he added.
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s blockbuster clash, fans will not only watch the cricketing battle but also observe whether the two rivals choose to exchange handshakes—an act that could signal a thaw in recent tensions.
