Focus on playing cricket: Kapil Dev’s take on Pakistan’s Asia Cup handshake row

Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has urged Pakistan to focus on playing cricket in the ongoing Asia Cup after the handshake saga. The controversy started when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav didn’t shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss.

India adopted the same approach as Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field after the former hit the winning runs in the run-chase of 128. Yadav, in the post-match presentation, said that they stand by the victims of Pahalgam terror attacks and they took the decision not to shake hands with Pakistan players after discussion with the Government of India and the BCCI.

After Yadav and co. snubbed the handshake, Pakistan skipper Salman Agha didn’t attend the post-match presentation, which was hosted by Sanjay Manjrekar.

“These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug,” Kapil said while speaking to ANI.

SKY had said in the post-match presentation, “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.”

Pakistan was threatening to withdraw from the Asia Cup on Wednesday but in the end, decided to play against the UAE. 

Pakistan will face India in the Super Four stage contest at Dubai on Sunday.