As the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025 approaches, the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan is generating considerable buzz. Adding fuel to the fire, India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has skillfully avoided mentioning Pakistan in the lead-up to the match, despite being asked about the rivalry multiple times.
In a pre-match press conference, Yadav faced at least six questions regarding the upcoming game against Pakistan, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. However, he managed to navigate the queries without uttering the name of his team's arch-rivals even once. Instead, he focused on the "Super Four" stage and promised a "fantastic Sunday" for the 1.4 billion Indians.
When directly asked about the upcoming match by Sanjay Manjrekar during the post-match presentation after India's win against Oman, Suryakumar gave a curt, four-word reply: "All set for Super Four". This response further fueled speculation that the Indian team was deliberately avoiding public acknowledgment of their historic rivals.
This avoidance tactic echoes the controversy that arose during the India-Pakistan group-stage match, where the Indian team refrained from shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts after their seven-wicket victory. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly filed complaints with the ICC, seeking the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft for allegedly failing to uphold the spirit of cricket.
When questioned about whether India would use the same "no-handshake" tactic in the Super Four match, Suryakumar laughed and remained tight-lipped. He was also asked whether the previous match against Pakistan was the best he had been a part of. In response, the Indian captain stated that the best match for him was any match he played for India. He added that every time he steps onto the field wearing the team's jersey, he feels excited and proud.
Suryakumar's reluctance to mention Pakistan has only heightened the anticipation surrounding the Super Four clash. Some fans have interpreted his actions as a sign of disrespect, while others believe it is a strategic move to deflect pressure and maintain focus.
Despite the off-field drama, Suryakumar has emphasized the importance of focusing on the game itself. He credited the team's exceptional preparation for their comprehensive win over Pakistan in their previous encounter. He also acknowledged the intense atmosphere of these high-stakes matches, stating that the stadium is always packed and the crowd is the best.
Regardless of the reasons behind Suryakumar Yadav's silence, one thing is certain: the India-Pakistan match in the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four is set to be a thrilling encounter, filled with excitement, drama, and intense competition.
