Indian Captain Faces National Outrage Over Handshake with Mohsin Naqvi

What should have been a routine display of courtesy has turned into a political storm. Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav is under fire from fans and sections of the Indian media after he was seen shaking hands with Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President Mohsin Naqvi.

The handshake took place during the Asia Cup trophy unveiling ceremony, where team leaders and officials from all participating countries gathered for an official photoshoot. During the event, cameras captured Yadav greeting Naqvi with a handshake—a moment that quickly drew widespread attention on Indian social media.

The criticism stems from Naqvi’s dual role as Pakistan’s Interior Minister. Earlier this year, during a brief military conflict between India and Pakistan, Naqvi had publicly condemned India, accusing it of violating international law. His comments at the time stirred strong reactions, and many in India have not forgotten them.

Following the event, a wave of online outrage erupted. Some users described the handshake as “shameful,” accusing Yadav of disregarding national pride. One post, which went viral, even called the Indian captain a “terrorist” for engaging with someone who had made strong statements against India in the past.

The controversy quickly spread beyond social media, with Indian news outlets picking up the story and fueling the backlash. What was likely intended as a diplomatic formality has now been portrayed by many as a political misstep rather than a simple sportsmanlike gesture.

For Mohsin Naqvi, the moment appeared to be just part of his responsibilities as head of the ACC. However, for Suryakumar Yadav, the handshake has unexpectedly become a major test of his leadership, casting a shadow over his role in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Once again, the complex intersection of politics and sport has taken center stage—overshadowing what should have been a celebration of cricket.

With the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan clash scheduled for September 14, such tensions may intensify further—especially if Pakistan secures a victory. If a mere handshake can cause such uproar, the response to a loss could be even more dramatic.

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