The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Pakistan and India will meet again at the Asia Cup on Sunday, a week after their group-stage clash was overshadowed by a handshake controversy.
India won the Sept. 14 group match by seven wickets in
Dubai, but the fallout came afterward when Indian players declined to shake
hands with their opponents. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a protest
with the International Cricket Council, claiming match referee Andy Pycroft
told captain Salman Ali Agha not to approach Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav
for the customary handshake at the toss.
The PCB demanded Pycroft be removed from their matches and
threatened to withdraw from the eight-team Twenty20 competition. Their final
group game was delayed for an hour before the PCB said Pycroft apologized. The
Zimbabwean official remained in charge as the match went ahead.
Pakistan later defeated host United Arab Emirates to reach
the Super Fours stage, setting up a second meeting with India. Indian media
have reported the team intends to continue its no-handshake policy.
“When you step onto the field, it’s just a batter in front
of you,” India spinner Kuldeep Yadav said, attempting to defuse the row. “I
have always approached it this way against Pakistan.”
Salman focused on performance rather than politics. “If we
play good cricket like we have played in the last few months, I think we’ll be
good against any side,” the Pakistan captain said.
Because of tense political ties, the nuclear-armed neighbors
only face each other at neutral venues in multi-team tournaments. Their meeting
last week was the first since a four-day border conflict in May that killed
more than 70 people before a cease-fire.
A third India-Pakistan clash remains possible if both sides
qualify for the Sept. 28 final in Dubai. India, defending champions from the
last 50-over Asia Cup, are considered favorites again.
Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also advanced to the Super Fours.
The unbeaten Sri Lankans face Bangladesh in the opening fixture Saturday.
Along with regional bragging rights, the Asia Cup doubles as
preparation for the Twenty20 World Cup scheduled for February and March in
India and Sri Lanka.
