The tension ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Final between India and Pakistan escalated off the field as India captain Suryakumar Yadav declined to attend the customary pre-match photoshoot with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha.
The incident, which occurred just an hour before the toss at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, left Salman posing alone with the trophy.
Why Did Suryakumar Skip the Shoot?
While no official reason was given, sources close to the Indian camp suggest that Suryakumar wanted to downplay the rivalry narrative, focusing instead on team preparation. He has previously stated that India’s head-to-head dominance over Pakistan makes the “rivalry” label feel exaggerated.
Salman Agha’s Response
Asked about the snub, Salman Agha remained composed:
“It’s completely his call, whether he wants to come or not. I can’t do anything in that,” he told reporters.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s focus remains on executing their plans and minimizing errors:
“In India-Pakistan matches, the team that makes fewer mistakes wins. That’s our goal,” he added3.
Political Undercurrents
The incident follows weeks of off-field tension. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had earlier filed a complaint to the ICC over Suryakumar’s post-match comments referencing the Pahalgam terror attack, which they claimed violated ICC’s code against political messaging. The Indian captain was fined 30% of his match fee, and the BCCI has appealed the decision.
Match Preview: High Stakes, High Pressure
This marks the first-ever India vs Pakistan final in Asia Cup history, across 17 editions. India has already beaten Pakistan twice in this tournament, but Salman Agha insists his team is ready to turn the tide.
With both captains avoiding handshakes and pre-match rituals, the final promises not just cricketing drama but symbolic intensity.
Game on! Track the buzz in football, tennis, Cricket, and more in PanAsiaBiz's Sports section.
From pitch to court and ring to track, PanAsiaBiz brings the action closer.
