Asia Cup: India cricketers forced to play vs Pakistan? Ex-India player makes a bold statement

Suresh Raina ignited controversy by claiming Indian cricketers were “forced” by the BCCI to participate in the Asia Cup 2025, despite their reluctance. This revelation follows India's victory over Pakistan, marred by a 'handshake-gate' incident where the Indian team declined post-match handshakes, citing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian cricketers during the Asia Cup match against Pakistan. (Pic credit: ACC)

NEW DELHI: Former India cricketer Suresh Raina has dropped a bombshell on the backdrop of India’s high-voltage Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan, claiming that the players did not want to take part in the tournament but were “forced” to play by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! Speaking to Sports Tak, Raina said: “I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none of them wants to play the Asia Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad that India are playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have said no. None of them wanted to play. ”

Suryakumar Yadav statement on Pahalgam to handshake drama: How India HUMILIATED Pakistan

Full video of how India shut the door on Pakistan players after Asia Cup win Raina’s remarks come at a time when tensions between the two neighbours have spilled over onto the cricket field. India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday was overshadowed by what is now being called “handshake-gate.”

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After Suryakumar Yadav sealed the match with a six, the Indian players walked straight into their dressing room, declining the customary post-match handshake. Pakistan’s players were left waiting on the field before their head coach Mike Hesson attempted to approach India’s changing room — only to find the doors locked. Hesson later called the episode “disappointing,” while Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation in protest. Pakistan’s management even lodged an official complaint, alleging India’s behaviour was against the “spirit of sportsmanship.” India, however, stood firm. Suryakumar justified the no-handshake stance, saying the team was aligned with the government and BCCI. “We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this win to the armed forces,” he said. Head coach Gautam Gambhir also reiterated that the team’s actions were meant to show solidarity with the victims of terrorism. While the political undertones dominated headlines, Raina’s revelation about the reluctance of Indian players has added a fresh dimension to the controversy, sparking debate over whether cricketing decisions are being driven by sentiment rather than sport.

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