Poonam Nath

Suryakumar Yadav Stays Mum on Pakistan's Handshake Controversy, Urges 24-Hour Patience

Digital Desk: India's T20 World Cup captain, Suryakumar Yadav, navigated the anticipation surrounding potential handshakes with Pakistan players ahead of their match in Colombo. Since the Asia Cup in Dubai, where handshakes were omitted due to tensions following the Pahalgam incident and Operation Sindoor, India and Pakistan have avoided this tradition.

When questioned about the handshaking norm, Suryakumar simply urged reporters to wait until match day, emphasizing the focus on cricket and well-being. Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, was equally noncommittal, suggesting the decision would come down to the game-day atmosphere, but reiterated the importance of playing in the right spirit. Notably, Agha said at the pre-match press conference on Saturday, "We will see tomorrow (Sunday)", remarking about the match.

The backdrop of this match has been fuelled by discussions of boycotts and competitive spirit, particularly in reference to the established norms of interaction between the two teams. Emerging from the Asia Cup, where India initiated the trend of skipping handshakes, the atmosphere surrounding the match seems charged with underlying political sentiments. Agha noted that while his personal inclinations may not hold weight, the game should be played as traditionally intended.

On the cricketing front, both captains assessed their squads. Suryakumar remarked that although Pakistan’s early arrival in Colombo could lend them a slight advantage, India has meticulously prepared for the encounter, with an emphasis on strategic planning. He confirmed that all-rounder Washington Sundar, having previously recovered from an injury, is fit for selection and may enter the playing XI, particularly due to the conditions on the Colombo pitch favoring slower bowlers. This tactical choice suggests a preference for Sundar's batting capability over that of Kuldeep Yadav.

Lastly, when prompted about Abhishek Sharma’s fitness and readiness for inclusion in the match against Pakistan, Suryakumar responded with humor, indicating that the decision would hinge on the desires expressed by the media, thus maintaining a light-hearted atmosphere as the teams approach a match steeped in significance both on and off the field.