The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Secretary Devajit Saikia has shareed his verdict on the 'handshake controversy' that took place during the India-Pakistan clash in Asia Cup. The match is still in the headlines mainly due to the fact that the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistan during the encounter. This left the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) agitated and they even filed a formal complaint to ICC against match referee Andy Pycroft, claiming that he told Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav.
However, Saikia feels that rather than caring too much about the controversy, fans should be celebrating India's comprehensive 7-wicket victory over Pakistan. He further stated that fans should be proud and appecite the fact that Team India is performing brilliantly in the continental tournament.
“I can only say that India won handsomely. It was a thumping victory for the Indian team. Nothing more. Nothing less. That’s all. India won the match so comfortably. We should be enjoying that rather than focusing on all that noise created by some third party or hostile countries. We should not be bothered by it. Instead, we should appreciate and feel proud of our boys for doing so well. We hope the winning momentum will continue till the last match of this tournament," Saikia said as quoted by IANS.
Meanwhile, following the match against Pakistan, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to India's armed forces and also stated that the team stands by the victims of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. The tragedy took place in April earlier this year and saw 26 innocent Indian tourists lose their lives.
"Just wanted to say something. Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile," Suryakumar said in the post-match press-conference.
India through to Super 4
The victory over Pakistan saw India qualify for the Super 4 stage after winning consecutive matches in the Asia Cup. They will now be facing Oman in their third and final match of the group stage that will be taking place on September 19. On the other hand, Pakistan wqill be facing UAE in their next match on September 17. This will be must-win game for the Men in Green as a defeat will see them get knocked out of the tournament.