Suryakumar Faces Backlash After Handshake with Pakistan’s Interior Minister

DUBAI: — Indian cricket captain Suryakumar Yadav has landed at the center of a political storm after being seen shaking hands with Mohsin Naqvi, Pakistan’s Interior Minister and the current President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), during the official unveiling of the Asia Cup trophy.

The image of the handshake, captured during the high-profile event, quickly went viral on social media and was splashed across Indian news outlets. The backlash has been swift, with many accusing the Indian skipper of being “insensitive” and “politically unaware” amid ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Social Media Erupts Over Handshake

The criticism was especially fierce online. One widely shared post read:

“An Indian Captain posing for pictures & shaking hands with the Federal Home Minister of Pakistan is peak shamelessness on BCCI’s part. Mohsin Naqvi has blood on his hands and was calling for India’s destruction during Op Sindoor!!”

Another user added, “Suryakumar Yadav is shaking hands with the very man who threatened India after Operation Sindoor.”

The phrase “Op Sindoor” refers to a recent Indian counter-terrorism operation, after which Naqvi allegedly made provocative statements that inflamed nationalist sentiments in India.

Media Questions Captain’s Judgement

Indian news channels and digital platforms also weighed in, questioning whether Suryakumar’s gesture was appropriate given the political implications. Several anchors and commentators expressed concern that the captain may have inadvertently signaled normalization at a time of strained diplomatic ties.

No official statement has yet been made by Yadav, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), or Indian government representatives. However, sources close to the BCCI said the interaction was part of a “standard diplomatic protocol” during multi-nation events and not a political endorsement.

Who Is Mohsin Naqvi?

Mohsin Naqvi, who currently holds the dual role of Pakistan’s Interior Minister and President of the Asian Cricket Council, assumed the ACC post earlier this year. His appointment was controversial due to his political portfolio and earlier inflammatory rhetoric directed toward India.

Despite efforts by cricketing bodies to maintain neutrality and diplomacy in multilateral tournaments, such interactions continue to spark debate in both countries, where cricket and politics often intersect.

Read more: Asia Cup Unites Hearts Beyond Rivalries: Mohsin Naqvi

Context: Cricket Amidst Conflict

India and Pakistan have not played a bilateral cricket series since 2012, and political tensions continue to impact sporting ties. While both nations are set to compete in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, their on-field rivalry remains overshadowed by off-field controversies.

This latest episode highlights the fine line cricketers walk between sport and statecraft—where even a handshake can ignite a firestorm.