India Comeback, Toss Snub Fuel India‑Pakistan Controversy

India have been overwhelmingly dominant in white-ball cricket since 2023, winning three successive major tournaments unbeaten, four major trophies and 39 T20 internationals in two years. They staged a dramatic comeback to beat Pakistan in the Asia Cup final in Dubai after Pakistan collapsed from 113-1 to be all out for 146. The match was overshadowed by India captain Suryakumar Yadav's refusal to shake hands at the toss and his public dismissal of India–Pakistan contests as one‑sided and no longer a rivalry. Former Pakistan wicketkeeper Rashid Latif and other commentators said the rivalry will persist “jab tak jung hai” (as long as war continues), arguing Pakistan entered as underdogs with less to lose while pressure remained heaviest on India. Critics warned that politicised gestures and statements — including dedications to the armed forces, public refusals of sporting courtesies and vocal board stances — risk permanently politicising cricket and eroding its historic role as a bridge between the two countries. The episode has renewed debate about whether sporting contests can remain insulated from bilateral tensions and whether Sunday's result will deepen consequences for players and administrators on both sides.