DUBAI, Sept 20, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav sidestepped 
the no-handshake issue ahead of the Asia Cup rematch against Pakistan in 
Dubai on Sunday, choosing to focus instead on the bat and ball.

The Group A clash between the fierce rivals last Sunday ended on a bitter 
note when Indian players refused to shake hands with their opponents.

It was the first meeting between the regional neighbours since a four-day 
cross-border conflict in May left more than 70 people dead.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had demanded the removal of Andy Pycroft as 
match referee for the must-win group game against the hosts. Zimbabwean 
Pycroft oversaw that clash last Sunday.

Pakistan's last group game -- against the United Arab Emirates -- was delayed 
for an hour due to the stand-off before the matter was resolved with the PCB 
claiming Pycroft apologised.

Pycroft remained the match referee for Wednesday's game and is still 
scheduled to officiate on Sunday.

Indian media has reported that the team plans to stick to its no-handshake 
policy for Sunday's clash.

Suryakumar changed the subject when asked about the handshake issue and 
Pycroft's presence, saying "It will be a good contest between the ball and 
the bat".

He added: "Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. I think that's 
the best thing to shut the noise. It's easy to say, but sometimes it is 
difficult."

India won all three of their group games, edging out a brave Oman by 21 runs 
in Abu Dhabi on Friday as well as beating Pakistan by seven and the UAE by 
nine wickets respectively.

Suryakumar praised minnows Oman, appearing in the Asia Cup for the first 
time, for putting up a good fight.

"I feel they played a good brand of cricket," he said of a team who ended on 
167-4 in reply to India's 188-8.

"They batted very well but we also managed to give a good outing to our 
players."