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“None Of Them Wanted To Play…”: Raina Drops Bombshell About IND vs PAK Asia Cup Clash

Poulomi Chakraborty

Suresh Raina On IND vs PAK Clash (Source: @BCCI/x.com, @ccl/x.com)Suresh Raina On IND vs PAK Clash (Source: @BCCI/x.com, @ccl/x.com)

As the cricket world always awaits to see the classic India-Pakistan clash, the ongoing Asia Cup 2025 witnessed a different picture. The recent cross-border tension, followed by Operation Sindoor, the relationship between the nations strained more, and it has also impacted the cricket arena.

India’s decision to take on Pakistan sparked intense criticism, with the BCCI also facing backlash. After Team India secured a victory over the Men in Green, former Indian batter Suresh Raina’s shocking claim stirred another controversy.

Suresh Raina's Big Claim On IND vs PAK Encounter

For long, India-Pakistan clash entertained fans with unmissable thrills, but the Asia Cup 2025 took a different turn. After the horrifying Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, their relationship was further strained. Even in the WCL, India Champions walked away from the match against Pakistan Champions, and the cricket world expected BCCI to boycott the Asia Cup clash between these arch-rivals.

After the match took place in Dubai, the BCCI, along with Indian players, faced harsh criticism. Adding fuel to the fire, former cricketer Suresh Raina dropped a bombshell to Sports Tak, claiming that even the players were reluctant to play the match, but had no choice once the BCCI approved it.

“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,” Raina said.

India Fires Back With No Handshake Gesture

When India and Pakistan faced off after a tense period, the clash was more than just cricket; their body language spoke volumes. With a dominating all-round performance with both bat and ball, Team India earned an one-sided 7-wicket victory. Yet, the real drama unfolded after the final ball, igniting debates off the field.

As Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube finished the game, they walked away from the field without shaking hands with Pakistani players. At the international stage, the scenario is unusual. The rest of the Indian players didn’t enter the ground as they celebrated the win while lauding each other. That move by the Men in Blue sparked buzz.