What was meant to be a routine gesture of courtesy has turned into a full-blown controversy across the border. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav is under fire from fans and sections of the Indian media after shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.
The incident occurred during the unveiling ceremony of the Asia Cup trophy, where leaders and officials of the participating nations gathered for a formal photoshoot. Cameras caught Suryakumar Yadav exchanging a handshake with Mohsin Naqvi, a moment that Indian social media immediately latched onto.
The outrage in India stems from Naqvi’s role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. During the brief armed conflict between the two neighbours earlier this year, Naqvi was vocal in admonishing India for their violation of international law.
Soon after, criticism poured in online, with some users calling it “a shameful act.” One viral post accused the Indian skipper of “forgetting national pride,” claiming that Naqvi had previously issued strong statements about India. Another user called the Indian captain a “terrorist” for his act.
The reaction quickly made its way to Indian headlines, with media outlets amplifying the outrage. The handshake, though no more than a standard formality at such events, has now been painted as a political controversy rather than a sporting courtesy.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav handshake with Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi who recently given India a threat after Operation Sindoor.
I don't know how these people see their faces in mirror. They kill our innocent people & here we are handshaking with them. Shameful!! pic.twitter.com/QXZCHpMmcb
— Rajiv (@Rajiv1841) September 9, 2025
For Mohsin Naqvi, the moment was simply part of his role as ACC chief. But for Suryakumar Yadav, it has unexpectedly snowballed into a test of his leadership, forcing him to face harsh scrutiny which awaits him throughout the Asia Cup.
Once again, the intersection of politics and sport has cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of cricket.
With Pakistan set to face India on September 14 in a highly anticipated match, it is very likely that such sentiments will arise again if Pakistan comes out on top. A mere handshake has sent a section of India into a frenzy—what a loss to Pakistan would do is anyone’s guess.
Nothing new . Mousing Naqvi had been a joke due to his shenanigans. How is this guy operating multiple posts causing so much issues and still being in job.
Incompetence