There’s no shortage of drama in the Asia Cup 2025, and the recent handshake controversy between India and Pakistan has only added to the heat.
Now, news is that the Indian team has been strictly instructed to maintain distance from Pakistani net bowlers.
What’s the whole matter?
India, which has already qualified for the Super Four, will face Oman at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday.
But before that, on Tuesday, when the team, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, arrived at the ICC Academy in Dubai for practice, the team management clearly stated,
“Keep your distance from the Pakistani net bowlers!”
Handshake controversy escalates tensions!
The handshake drama captured everyone’s attention after the high-voltage match between India and Pakistan last Sunday. Following this controversy, the Indian management is reluctant to take any risks.
Sources told Pakistani media,
“Indian players have been clearly instructed to avoid informal conversations or taking photographs with Pakistani net bowlers.”
Furthermore, net bowlers will be required to surrender their mobile phones during practice sessions, and they will be returned only after the session is over.
Net bowler teams from each country—Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India—are present at the ICC Academy to conduct practice sessions. Previously, Indian players used to interact freely with these bowlers.
Practice and press conference also cancelled
The Indian team also cancelled Wednesday’s practice session and press conference.
The BCCI announced on its official WhatsApp group, “Please note that there will be no media or practice sessions tomorrow. It is a rest day. Practice and press conference time will be provided later for the pre-match PC on Thursday.”
This strictness is a result of the tensions of the past few days. Now it remains to be seen whether this strictness will further sharpen India’s performance on the field or will it further heat up the atmosphere.
