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Former England cricketer Monty Panesar feels that the upcoming clash between India and Pakistan has lost its hype due to the 'handshake controversy' which occurred during the two teams' group stage match in Asia Cup 2025. Panesar remarked that both the teams should focus on playing cricket rather than paying too much attention to other things.
“The hype around the India vs Pakistan game is a little less this time. Now, one of the reasons is the recent handshake row. It has affected the buzz. All the other cricket boards also don’t want this, they want this to be a gentleman’s game. Pakistan and India should pay more attention to cricket and less to other things," Panesar was quoted as saying to IANS.
The 'handshake controversy' erupted after India skipper Suryakumar Yadav didn't do the customary handshake with Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha following the end of the match. This left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agitated and it saw Agha not attend the post-match press-conference. The cricket board also lodged a formal complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he had told Agha to not shake hands with Suryakumar. The PCB wanted Pycroft to be dismissed from Asia Cup, however ICC refused to accept their demands.
Meanwhile, Panesar also gave his prediction on the Super 4 clash between India and Pakistan. The former England spinner feels that the Men in Blue will win the match, but added that their arch-rivals wouldn't make it easy for them.
“India’s status is very strong right now. Pakistan is such a team that when it plays against India, they can do 20-30 per cent better, so Pakistan will have to play very well, they should play in the same way as before. But, in my opinion, India will win this match," Panesar stated.
India in excellent form
India are yet to lose a match in the ongoing Asia Cup and have so far won all of their three games. They first defeated hosts UAE comprehensively by nine wickets before handing a seven-wicket defeat to Pakistan. They wrapped up their group stage with a 21-run win over Oman which saw them top Group A with six points.
Pakistan's unconvincing performance
On the other hand, even though Pakistan recorded wins against Oman and UAE, they are in need of drastic improvement in the batting department. The Men in Green haven't been able to surpass the 160-run mark in the tournament so far and haven't been able to deliver with the bat at all. Notably, Saim Ayub in particular is going through a horrific run of form as he is yet open his run-account for the tournament and has recorded ducks in the three games that his team has played so far.
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