'Focus on playing cricket...': Kapil Dev's blunt verdict on 'handshake controversy' in IND vs PAK Asia Cup clash

Legendary India cricketer Kapil Dev gave his opinion on the 'handshake controversy' that took place during the Men in Blue's clash against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025. Though some days have already passed since the two rivalks played against each other, the controversy is still a hot topic. After the match, the Indian players didn't do a customary handshake with the Pakistan team and Suryakumar Yadav even dedicated their victory to the ar med forces and the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

Kapil feels that the players should be focusing more on the game rather than giving too much attention to outside noise. He also stated that if players do not want to shake hands against the other team then it is a personal choice and there is no need to make a big deal out of it.

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"There are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial. Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one's personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug," Kapil Dev said on ANI.

On the other hand, Kapil backed Team India to bring home the Asia Cup and remarked how they have been playing good cricket for the last 20 years.

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"The Indian team has been playing very well for the past 20 years. The team performs exceptionally well in ICC tournaments. Our cricket is very organised...I am hopeful that Team India will win the Asia Cup 2025," Kapil added.

India have a 100% win record so far

Suryakumar Yadav & Co. have so far played two matches in their ongoing Asia Cup campaign and have won both of them. They first defeated UAE comfortably by 9 wickets before handing a 7-wicket defeat to Pakistan. They will now be facing Oman in their final group stage fixture on September 19 and will be meeting Pakistan again on September 21, but this time in the Super 4 stage.