Resounding out of your alleyway, we departed,
still, many dreams emerged despite feeling thwarted.
These poignant lines by poet Mirza Ghalib seem to perfectly encapsulate the situation of the Pakistani cricket team. On September 28, the conclusion of the 2025 Asia Cup was more noted for Pakistan's headlines off the pitch than their play. After a challenging journey to the finals, Pakistan once again succumbed to India. Not just once, but in three instances throughout the tournament, the neighboring country was brought to terms by India. Be it the battlefield or the cricket field, the Pakistani team has seemingly become accustomed to defeats against India.
Throughout the Asia Cup, the Pakistani team could be seen in perpetual disappointment. They started their campaign on September 12 with a substantial 93-run victory over Oman. However, their next group match against India on September 14 was a different story, resulting in a 7-wicket defeat. This encounter initiated the 'No Handshake Controversy' when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss. Post-match, neither team's players exchanged handshakes. Although the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rule book mentions no mandate for handshakes, players often do so as a gesture of sportsmanship.
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Team India made their decision not to offer handshakes in consideration of Indian fans' sentiments, which infuriated the Pakistani team leading them to boycott the presentation ceremony. The Pakistani captain refused to field questions from Sanjay Manjrekar, asserting all blame on the Zimbabwean match referee, Andy Pycroft. The PCB accused him of advising against the handshake and demanded his removal from the tournament, an appeal ICC dismissed.
Source: aajtak
When ICC refused to comply, PCB threatened to withdraw from the Asia Cup, insisting on Andy Pycroft’s removal. Their appeal was rejected again, leading them to cancel a press conference before the UAE match on September 17, and initially refusing to leave the hotel on match day. True to their old habits, the country offered initial resistance, only to relent after 70 minutes.
The match commenced an hour late, where Salman’s team won by 41 runs, advancing to the Super Four. Andy Pycroft continued as match referee despite PCB's claims of an apology. Posting a silent video on social media, PCB painted a picture of an official apology, although ICC had already cleared Pycroft of any wrongdoing.
In the Super Four stage, Pakistan's first game on September 21 resulted in another defeat by 6 wickets to India. The match witnessed provocations by Sahabzada Farhan and Haris Rauf, who engaged in gun celebrations, obscene gestures, and abuse towards Indian players, leading to BCCI complaints.
Source: aajtak
ICC imposed a 30 percent match fee fine on Haris Rauf, while Sahabzada Farhan received a warning. Meanwhile, PCB found fault in Suryakumar Yadav's ‘Operation Sindoor’ comment, proposing it was political, resulting in an ICC-imposed fine, which BCCI disputed. Despite consecutive defeats to India, Pakistan's stance remained defiant. However, they managed to reach the final by securing victories against Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.
The final match against India marked yet another submission to Suryakumar Yadav's team. Engaging drama unfolded as Pakistan created a scene during the toss, surprising fans with interviewers both from the Pakistani and Indian side.
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Post-match highlighted Mohsin Naqvi, the ACC Chairman, who wished to present the trophy to India, only for the Indian players to refuse to indulge. Drama persisted for two hours post-match before ultimately deciding to take the trophy back to the hotel.
Mohsin Naqvi could have asked delegates from other nations to present the Asia Cup trophy to India, but Pakistan's defeat was too bitter to accept. BCCI insisted it earned the trophy for India through genuine prowess. Reconciliation in the dispute doesn't seem imminent...
