There were mixed reactions from the fans before entering the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025. The date for the match was 14th September and the venue was the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Eventually, India won the match. After the match, Suryakumar Yadav said Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.
Pakistan were batting first and they scored 127/9 in the 20 overs with Sahibzada Farhan scoring 40 and Shaheen Afridi scoring a quick 33 runs. The Indian batters easily chased down the target in 15.5 overs and won the match by seven wickets. Kuldeep Yadav was the Player of the Match for his three wickets in four overs.
“Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit” said SuryaKumar Yadav
Once the match got over, the on-field batters, Shivam Dube and captain Suryakumar Yadav, went back to the changing room without shaking hands with any Pakistani player. The Pakistani players were waiting, but the changing room was closed by the managing staff. In the post-match, this is what the Indian captain, Suryakumar Yadav, said:
Just wanted to say something. Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile.
After the match, there was a press conference. Suryakumar Yadav was questioned why his team did not shake hands with the opponent players, as they needed to show some sportsmanship spirit. He very calmly said that some things are more than sportsmanship, and nothing is bigger than the country. It was right as they were doing their duty of representing the country. Their duty was over as they completed the game. This is what Suryakumar Yadav said in the press conference
We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and stand with families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack
Playing this match can be a wrong decision for some fans, but we have to look at the brighter future. There might be a lot of sports where India would face Pakistan in the future, for example, in the Olympics. Eventually, those events happen once every four years, and it is hard work for the athletes for more than 6-7 years. As the BCCI is the richest cricketing board, it might not affect the cricket players from not playing one game. It will surely affect the others.
