Suryakumar Yadav Faces Backlash After Handshake with ACC Chief Mohsin Naqvi

What was supposed to be a routine act of courtesy has turned into a heated debate across the border. Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav is facing criticism from fans and sections of the Indian media after he shook hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

The moment took place during the unveiling ceremony of the Asia Cup trophy, where cricket officials, leaders, and captains of the participating nations gathered for a formal photoshoot. Everything seemed normal until cameras captured Suryakumar Yadav extending his hand toward Mohsin Naqvi for a handshake. The gesture, although polite and professional, immediately spread across Indian social media platforms, where it was quickly picked apart.

The anger in India does not come from the act itself but from Naqvi’s political background. Apart from being ACC President, Mohsin Naqvi also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Earlier this year, during the brief armed conflict between India and Pakistan, Naqvi openly criticized India, accusing it of violating international law. Because of these statements, many Indian fans see him as a hostile figure, and the handshake is now being framed as an act of weakness or even betrayal by their cricket captain.

As soon as the video clip of the handshake went viral, online criticism began pouring in. Some users described it as “a shameful act” and claimed that the Indian skipper had “forgotten national pride.” One widely shared post reminded fans of Naqvi’s earlier statements against India, suggesting that shaking hands with him was disrespectful to the country. Others went further, using extreme language by even labeling the Indian captain as a “terrorist” for what was clearly a professional courtesy.

The outrage did not stop with social media. Indian media outlets quickly picked up the story, giving it even more attention. News channels and online portals highlighted the handshake, portraying it less as a normal sporting gesture and more as a politically charged action. What should have been a simple formality between two officials has now turned into a headline-making controversy that overshadows the spirit of the game.

For Mohsin Naqvi, the handshake was nothing more than part of his duty as ACC chief, a position that requires him to interact with cricket leaders from all member nations. But for Suryakumar Yadav, the situation has become unexpectedly complicated. Instead of focusing on the upcoming Asia Cup matches, he now finds himself facing a storm of criticism and questions about his leadership. This added pressure could follow him throughout the tournament.

This is not the first time that politics has interfered with cricket between India and Pakistan, and it is unlikely to be the last. Once again, instead of celebrating the sport, fans and media are caught up in political debates. The Asia Cup, which should highlight the talent and teamwork of the best cricketers in Asia, is now clouded by arguments over a handshake.

The controversy may only grow larger as the tournament progresses. Pakistan and India are scheduled to face each other on September 14, a match that is already one of the most anticipated games of the year. If Pakistan manages to win, emotions on the Indian side could rise even higher, and the handshake incident may once again be brought into heated discussions. For now, a simple gesture of politeness has turned into a major talking point—showing how fragile the balance between sports and politics can be.

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