India Opts Out of Pre-Final Photoshoot with Pakistan Ahead of Asia Cup 2025 Final

• By Thetripurapost Desk, Abu Dhabi
• Sep 27, 2025
• 371

In a move reflecting ongoing tensions between the two cricketing nations, the Indian cricket team has reportedly decided against participating in the customary pre-match photoshoot with Pakistan ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final. Traditionally, captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha are expected to pose together with the trophy before a title clash, but Team India has reportedly communicated that they do not wish to take part this time.

The decision follows a series of incidents in the tournament. In previous encounters between India and Pakistan, the Indian team, including captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with the Pakistani side—a snub that sparked widespread controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a formal protest with the ICC, demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, but the ICC rejected all demands after review.

Tensions escalated further during the IND vs PAK Super Fours match on September 21. Pakistan’s Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan faced sanctions for unsportsmanlike conduct, with Rauf fined 30% of his match fee and Farhan reprimanded for a controversial celebration. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav was fined after dedicating India’s win to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack—a dedication that Pakistan viewed as provocative. Both the BCCI and PCB have announced plans to appeal against the sanctions imposed on their players.

With the Asia Cup 2025 final set for Sunday, all eyes will be on the clash between India and Pakistan, which promises high drama both on and off the field, given the visible strain in relations between the two sides.