India avoid practice, skip press conference before Oman clash amid no-handshake controversy

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, called off their practice session and pre-match press conference on September 17, just ahead of their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman. Notably, Pakistan also made a similar decision before their must-win group-stage encounter against the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Tensions escalated after the India-Pakistan match on September 14. Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with the Pakistan captain at the toss. After winning the match, the Indian team also skipped the post-match handshakes. Salman Agha did not attend the post-match presentation after the game.

India Cancel Practice Session and Press Conference Ahead of Oman Match

The Board of Control for Cricket in India cancelled the training session and media briefing on Wednesday. The team management decided that the players would be given a complete rest day instead.

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Notably, the official schedule for all of India’s practice sessions and press conferences had been released before the start of the Asia Cup 2025. A three-hour practice was planned to begin at 6 PM Gulf Standard Time on September 17, with a player also scheduled to address the press.

However, on Tuesday night, journalists were informed through a WhatsApp message that the plan had been scrapped. The board later clarified that the change was made to keep the squad fresh for the upcoming contest.

“Please note there will be no media and practice session tomorrow. It is a rest day. Will convey practice and PC time for pre-match PC for Thursday later,” BCCI said in the official WhatsApp group, as per the reports of Hindustan Times.

Suryakumar Yadav Dedicated a Win to the Pahalgam Victims and the Armed Forces

After the India-Pakistan clash, Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the Indian government and BCCI decided not to shake hands with Pakistan players. He dedicated the victory to the 26 victims of a terror attack in Pahalgam earlier in the year and to India’s armed forces.

Pakistan skipper Salman Agha skipped the post-match press conference, and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later filed a complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft. The board alleged that he had told their players there would be no handshake at the toss.

Notably, the PCB even called for Pycroft’s removal. The ICC dismissed the complaint, but reports suggested that Richie Richardson could take over officiating duties for Pakistan’s upcoming Asia Cup fixtures.

India Off to Dominant Start in Asia Cup 2025 With Big Wins

India have registered convincing wins in their opening two matches of the Asia Cup 2025. They crushed the UAE by nine wickets in the tournament opener and followed it up with a seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan. India have lived up to expectations as title favourites.

The bowlers have been the main performers behind India’s dominance. Kuldeep Yadav and Shivam Dube produced outstanding combined figures of 7/11 to bowl the UAE out for just 57 runs.

India will face Oman on September 19 in their final group-stage match. A victory will secure the top spot in Group A. India might play their first Super 4 match on September 21. Fans could also witness another India-Pakistan clash in the Super 4.

Also read: PCB again writes to ICC after 1st humiliation, this time demands..