Suryakumar Yadav Stays Focused on Cricket Ahead of Asia Cup Rematch Against Pakistan

TDT | DUBAI

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Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav brushed aside controversy over the ongoing “no-handshake” issue as his side prepares to face Pakistan again in Sunday’s Asia Cup Group A rematch in Dubai. Instead, the skipper chose to emphasize the contest on the field.

Last Sunday’s clash between the arch-rivals ended on a tense note when Indian players declined to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The encounter was the first since cross-border clashes in May claimed over 70 lives, further heightening political sensitivities surrounding the match.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) subsequently demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, who officiated the heated tie. Pakistan’s last group match against the UAE was even delayed by an hour following a standoff, with the PCB claiming Pycroft later apologized. Despite this, Pycroft continued his duties as referee on Wednesday and remains in charge for Sunday’s crucial fixture.

Reports in Indian media suggest that the team intends to maintain its no-handshake stance for the upcoming showdown. But Suryakumar refused to be drawn into the debate.

“It will be a good contest between the ball and the bat,” he told reporters when asked about the issue and Pycroft’s presence. Offering advice on how to block out external distractions, he added: “Close your room, switch off your phone and sleep. That’s the best way to shut the noise. It’s easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult.”

On the field, India have enjoyed a strong start to their campaign, winning all three group-stage matches. They beat Pakistan by seven wickets, cruised past the UAE by nine wickets, and overcame a spirited challenge from debutants Oman in Abu Dhabi on Friday, clinching a 21-run victory.

Suryakumar lauded Oman’s performance, calling their Asia Cup debut an impressive display. “I feel they played a good brand of cricket,” he said. “They batted very well, but we also managed to give a good outing to our players.”

With both the political backdrop and high sporting stakes at play, Sunday’s India-Pakistan rematch promises to be another fiercely contested encounter.