In a surprising move during the Asia Cup Super Four clash in Dubai, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir instructed Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team to greet only the match officials after defeating Pakistan ,deliberately avoiding the traditional post-match handshake with the Pakistani players. At the toss earlier that day, Suryakumar Yadav also skipped shaking hands with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha.

 Instead, he turned to presenters and the match referee before the game began.  When India secured a six-wicket win over Pakistan, players Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya walked off the field directly to their dressing rooms, bypassing the opposing team.

After the match ended, Gambhir asked his men to come out and greet just the umpires. The team followed this direction ,they shook hands with the match officials, then returned without acknowledging the Pakistani side, who remained visibly confused by the gesture. Gambhir later posted a photo of players like Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill with a one-word caption: “Fearless.” The young batting pair had played well, putting together a strong opening stand in India’s chase of 172.

This episode adds to the growing controversy around sportsmanship and politeness norms between India and Pakistan on the cricket field. While India seems to be making a statement with these selective gestures, Pakistan has expressed surprise and displeasure at what some see as a break from cricketing tradition.