India crushed Pakistan by seven wickets in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai, chasing 128 in just 15.5 overs. Pakistan had earlier stumbled to 127/9, undone by India’s spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Varun Chakaravarthy. Together, the Indian bowlers sent down 63 dot balls. Kuldeep was the standout with 3/18, baffling Pakistan’s batters throughout.

Sunil Gavaskar, speaking on the official broadcast, launched a scathing attack on Pakistan’s display, calling it unlike the proud sides he had watched since the 1960s, even likening it to a “Popatwadi team.” His comments reflected the sheer gulf between the teams on the night.

Wasim Akram also criticised Pakistan’s younger batters, lamenting their inability to read Kuldeep and their obsession with strike rates. For India, Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 31 off 13 set the tone before captain Suryakumar Yadav, celebrating his 35th birthday, guided the chase with an unbeaten 47.

“I’ve been following Pakistan’s team since 1960, when I would run from Churchgate station to Brabourne Stadium just to watch Hanif Mohammad sahab, but this team…,” Gavaskar lamented the team’s incompetence.

No handshakes between players

The political tensions between India and Pakistan spilled into their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, where players refrained from exchanging handshakes before and after the game. According to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), match referee Andy Pycroft requested both captains, India’s Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha, to avoid handshakes at the toss. The PCB condemned the move as “against sportsmanship” and lodged a formal protest with the ICC, though no response has yet been issued.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi criticised the incident on X, calling it “utterly disappointing” and warning against dragging politics into sport. After India’s commanding seven-wicket victory, Suryakumar did not join customary post-match handshakes, leaving with teammate Shivam Dube. In response, Agha skipped a scheduled TV interview, which coach Mike Hesson described as a “follow-on effect.” Hesson said Pakistan’s players had been willing to shake hands, but India had already retreated to the dressing room.

The game marked the first India–Pakistan meeting since the April Pahalgam terror attack. India’s participation in the Asia Cup had earlier been uncertain, with the BCCI aligning with government directives. Suryakumar reaffirmed India’s stance, dedicating solidarity to the victims of Pahalgam. Both teams could meet again in the Super 4s.