If you were on social media after India’s thrilling win against Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup, you saw it. The clips, the tweets, the heated debates. It wasn’t just about the cricket; it was about what happened—or didn’t happen—immediately after.
The moment was labeled a “handshake boycott.” Now, for the first time, Suryakumar Yadav, whose brilliant half-century was central to the victory, is addressing the controversy directly. And his explanation is surprisingly simple.
What Actually Happened After the India vs Pakistan Match?
Let’s set the scene. In a nail-biting finish, India clinched a six-run victory against their arch-rivals in New York. As the players began to walk off the field, a video clip went viral. It showed Indian players, including Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya, seemingly walking past Pakistani players without stopping for the traditional post-match handshakes.
The internet, as it does, erupted. Some praised the team for a perceived show of strength, while others criticized them for a lack of sportsmanship. The truth, according to Suryakumar Yadav , was far less dramatic.
“We Gave a Proper Reply on the Field”: Suryakumar yadav’s Statement
In a recent interaction covered by PTI, Suryakumar Yadav was asked about the viral moment. He clarified that there was no intended snub. His focus, and the team’s focus, was squarely on the game they had just won.
“People who are saying all this about a handshake… I don’t think it is the right thing,” Suryakumar yadav said. “At the end of the day, you have to see what the India vs Pakistan match is. The tension, the excitement… when you win such a match, you are lost in your own world.”
He pointed to the team’s performance as the only statement that mattered. “We were celebrating. Our only focus was on how we won the match. How we fought. That was our reply. We gave a proper reply on the field.”
This aligns with the ICC’s code of conduct, which emphasizes respect but does not explicitly mandate handshakes. The intense emotions following such a high-stakes game often see players consumed by celebration with their teammates first.
The Bigger Picture: High Pressure and Professional Rivalry
To understand the moment, you have to understand the context. An India-Pakistan match is arguably the most high-pressure fixture in all of sports. The players are under a microscope, with every gesture analyzed by billions of fans.
Former cricketers weighed in, with many suggesting that reading malice into the moment was a stretch. They noted that in the heat of such an emotional victory, players often gravitate instantly to their teammates and coaches to celebrate a collective achievement before formally acknowledging the opponents.
The Indian team’s primary emotion was likely relief and joy after defending a low total, not a coordinated effort to avoid a handshake. Suryakumar‘s comments reinforce that it was about being “lost in the moment,” not a deliberate act of disrespect.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Handshake Moment
Q: Did the Indian team officially boycott the handshake?
A: No. There has been no official statement from the BCCI or team management about a boycott. Suryakumar Yadav’s recent comments are the first from a player, and they clarify it was not a deliberate snub.
Q: What is the ICC rule on post-match handshakes?
A: The ICC’s regulations strongly encourage a spirit of sportsmanship and respect between teams. While handshakes are a traditional part of that, the code is more focused on preventing overt acts of disrespect or misconduct. Celebrating with your team first is not considered a breach.
Q: Have there been similar incidents in other sports?
A: Absolutely. In high-stakes rivalries across all sports—like soccer’s El Clásico or an NHL playoff series—immediate post-game emotions sometimes delay or overlook formalities. It’s often a byproduct of intense competition, not a personal slight.
Q: How did Pakistani players react?
A: There have been no public complaints from the Pakistani team or players regarding the handshake. The focus from their camp has been on the cricket itself and their own performance.
The Final Word: The Cricket Did the Talking
Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the right one. In the age of viral clips and instant hot takes, a few seconds of video can spawn a thousand narratives.
Suryakumar Yadav’s clarification brings us back to the core of the event: an incredible game of cricket. His message is that the team’s “reply” wasn’t in a handshake or a lack thereof; it was in the resilience they showed on the field to secure a famous victory.
The next time a moment like this threatens to overshadow the sport itself, maybe we should all take a breath and remember what these athletes are actually there to do: play the game.
What did you think about the match and the aftermath? Does this clarify the situation for you? Let us know your thoughts on our social channels.
