IND vs PAK | Twitter reacts as SKY and Salman maintain distance at toss to carry on BCCI-PCB handshake controversy

India began their Super Four campaign of the Asia Cup at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium against arch-rivals Pakistan by winning the toss and chosing to bowl first. The two teams have already clashed once in the ongoing edition in the preliminary group stage, where India emerged victorious by seven wickets after restricting the Men in Green to a paltry 127/9 in their 20 overs. As abject as the Pakistani performance was, the spotlight quickly shifted to off-field matters in the match's aftermath and the saga caught a second wind on Sunday.

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav had not shaken hands with counterpart Salman Agha Ali in their latest meeting, contrary to the norm. However, tensions escalated when the veteran rushed off the park after hitting the winning six for India alongside batting partner Shivam Dube, even as their rivals waited around for the customary post-match handshakes. It was later revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft had been notified of India's stance a few minutes ahead of the toss, which led to the Pakistan Cricket Board demanding a change in official for their next game against UAE as well snubbing pre-match press conferences thereafter. Even though Pycroft has since apologized to PCB, who themselves have been accused by the International Cricket Council of several procedural errors, the handshake policy remained consistent on Sunday with both captains once again maintaining distance at the ceremony.

Twitter was quick to comment,

India will bowl first

They did not!

No handshake at all

None

You have the answer

Won

Yup

Toss time

Round 2

Bumrah is back