India are all set to return to action after more than a month as they take the field for the Asia Cup 2025, this time in the T20I format, against hosts UAE at the Dubai International Stadium on September 10 (Wednesday).
Their biggest game of the group stage will on September 14 at Dubai, when they take on arch-rivals Pakistan for the first time in the shortest format since the T20 World Cup 2024. The match will be played amid much tension, as this will be the first time since the two teams meet since the relations between the two countries have soured due to the dastardly Pahalgam Terror Attack. Now, captain Suryakumar Yadav has sent a subtle message to the Men in Green.
In the captains’ press conference before the start of the Asia Cup 2025, Suryakumar Yadav was asked whether the recent tensions between the two nations will see tempers flaring on the field during the match. To this, the Indian captain said that it would be aggression on the field, in any match that India would play.
“Aggression is always there when we take the field. Without aggression, you can’t play cricket. I am really excited to play cricket starting tomorrow,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
Salman Ali Agha’s Reply
To Suryakumar Yadav’s aggression comment, Pakistan captain Salma Ali Agha retorted, saying that whoever wants to be aggressive can do it, as long as it stays on the field.
“Whoever wants to be aggressive they are most welcome as long as it stays on the field,” he said.
Did Suryakumar Yadav, Salman Agha Shake Hands?
Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha didn’t shake hands at the Asia Cup press conference. After the PC, Suryakumar Yadav embraced Rashid Khan and a few others, but notably exchanged no pleasantries with Salman Ali Agha, who was quick to quick to leave the stage after the PC.
Yadav, however, did shake hands with PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the chairman of the Asian Cricket Council.