The Indian Cricket Team once again displayed arrogance and poor manners in their Asia Cup 2025 clash against Pakistan at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While they secured a seven-wicket win, their unprofessional behaviour both on and off the field drew stronger reactions than the result itself. Many fans and experts labelled their attitude cheap and disgraceful, proving that victory without respect is hollow.
Pakistan, under captain Salman Ali Agha, batted first but could only set 127 runs for the loss of nine wickets. The innings began poorly. Saim Ayub fell for a duck, and Mohammad Haris followed quickly with just three runs. Sahibzada Farhan fought hard with a determined 40 off 44 balls, keeping one end stable. Fakhar Zaman added 17 before losing his wicket to Axar Patel. Pakistan’s middle order collapsed under pressure as Kuldeep Yadav tore through the batting line-up.
Shaheen Shah Afridi then lifted Pakistan’s score with a quick-fire 33 off 16 deliveries, hitting four towering sixes. Faheem Ashraf (11) and Sufiyan Muqeem (10) chipped in with small yet important runs. Pakistan finally ended at 127/9.
The Indian Cricket Team came out to chase with aggression. Even after Shubman Gill’s early dismissal, Abhishek Sharma hammered 31 runs off just 13 balls. His knock included four boundaries and two sixes before Saim Ayub dismissed him. Tilak Varma then joined skipper Suryakumar Yadav, and together they added 56 runs for the third wicket. Varma played a steady 31 with two fours and a six before Saim struck again.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 47 from 37 deliveries. His innings, decorated with five fours and one six, guided his side to an easy win with 25 balls to spare. The Indian Cricket Team crossed the line without trouble, but their celebrations left a sour taste. Instead of showing sportsmanship, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube ignored Pakistan’s players, fist-bumped each other, and walked straight to the dressing room.
This lack of courtesy angered many, who felt that the Indian Cricket Team behaved disgracefully. The Pakistani players, despite their defeat, waited respectfully for the traditional handshake. But the Indians refused, exposing what critics called their “ugly side.” Even at the toss, Yadav had earlier declined to shake hands with Salman Ali Agha, setting the tone for what followed.
Kuldeep Yadav was named “Player of the Match” for his brilliant spell, where he claimed three wickets for 18 runs. Bumrah and Axar Patel picked up two each, while Hardik Pandya and Varun Chakravarthy added one apiece. Despite their bowlers’ strong showing, the focus remained on their cheap display of arrogance.
Former Pakistani players and fans slammed the Indian Cricket Team for crossing all limits of decency. Many said cricket should rise above politics and enmity, and gestures of respect must never be ignored. Winning matches is one thing, but winning hearts requires grace, something the Indians clearly lack.