IND vs PAK: After Team India hammered Pakistan by seven wickets in their one-sided Asia Cup group stage encounter on Sunday in Dubai, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav spoke words in relation to the horrific terrorist attacks in Pahalgam earlier this year that took the lives of more than a couple of dozen Indian civilians.
The IND vs PAK match on Sunday was played amid the backdrop of calls for the boycott of this game from several quarters of the country.
Fans in huge numbers had expressed their voice on social media, and so had spates of experts and famous personalities on news channels, about being against playing Pakistan in the context of what happened earlier in the year.
The Indian cricketers were criticized heavily in the lead-up to this match, especially Suryakumar, who had shaken hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha during the captain’s press conference on the eve of the Asia Cup.
However, with the Indian government and the BCCI giving the green signal to the IND vs PAK matches in the Asia Cup—at least two IND vs PAK games expected in each Asia Cup, with the possibility of a third open in the final—there is little the players could do.
But the players didn’t back down and took their own stance. First, Suryakumar didn’t shake hands with the Pakistani skipper at the toss. Later, after finishing the game, the Indian skipper walked off straightaway along with Shivam Dube without speaking or shaking hands with the opponents.
The Indian players and coaching staff greeted Suryakumar and Dube at the boundary line, and everyone then stormed back into the dressing room and quickly closed the door, suggesting to the Pakistani players that they will not return for the customary handshake.
IND vs PAK: Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up On Pahalgam Terror Attack, Shows Support To Indian Army
After the match, in the presentation ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav opened up on the Pahalgam terror attacks, saying that the team supports the victims and their families. He dedicated India’s win on Sunday to the army and thanked them.
Suryakumar said, “Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the families of the victims of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity.”
The Indian skipper added, “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.”
A terrific effort by the spinners meant Pakistan posted 127 runs on the board, an under-par total. India chased down the target in 15.5 overs. Suryakumar top-scored with 47*, while Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma both scored 31 each.
Kuldeep Yadav was once again the showstopper, bagging the Man of the Match award for his 3/18, while the other bowlers played their part too.
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