Asia Cup 2025: Suryakumar Yadav subtly puts Pakistani reporter in his place
India’s 2025 Asia Cup encounters with Pakistan were overshadowed by a series of controversies. Both the group stage and Super Four matches were embroiled in disputes. The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final was no exception, as the Men in Blue emerged victorious over the arch-rivals to claim the title on Sunday. The controversy began when the Indian team opted not to shake hands with Pakistan following their group stage triumph. During the toss, Suryakumar Yadav also refrained from shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha.
"Gussa ho rahe ho aap": Suryakumar Yadav dismisses Pakistani reporter following the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final
This pattern continued into the Super Four stage, and following their victory in the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 final, the Indian players refused to receive the trophy from ACC chairperson Mohsin Naqvi. At the post-match press conference, a Pakistani journalist questioned Suryakumar, asking if he was the first cricket captain in history to introduce politics into the sport. Present alongside opener Abhishek Sharma, the Indian skipper responded with wit, effectively putting the journalist in his place.
The Pakistani reporter asked, "You became the champion today and played a good game. But my question is that in this entire tournament, your behaviour towards Pakistan cricket team; you didn't shake hands and didn't do the photo session for the trophy. Then you held a political press conference. Do you think that in the history of cricket you are the first captain who has brought politics into the game of cricket?"
The query posed by the Pakistani reporter sounded more like an accusation and less like a question. Taking stock of the statement, the Indian skipper was initially left perplexed. Both Suryakumar Yadav and Abhishek Sharma wore confused expressions, trying to understand the real intent behind the heavily worded attack. The skipper began by asking whether he needed to answer it. However, before anyone could intervene, Suryakumar Yadav came up with a cheeky reply. While maintaining a smile, the Indian skipper was quick to call out the conduct of the Pakistani reporter. Moving ahead, he dismissed the reporter cheekily.
"Bolna hai ya nahi bolna hai? (Should I answer or should I not answer?)" Surya started. “Gussa ho rahe ho aap (you are getting angry) (laughs). “Sawal pata he nhi chala aapka. Aapne char question puch liye ek he time mei. (I can't even understand your question. You asked four questions at once).”
With much contention around the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav further clarified the terms of the trophy distribution row. Dashing any doubts, the Indian skipper informed that the decision to snub Mohsin Naqvi was not mandated by the BCCI but was made independently by the Men in Blue on the field after the match.
