Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, all eight participating team captains, including those from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, gathered for the traditional pre-tournament press conference on Tuesday. The event marked the official beginning of the much-awaited competition.

As expected, most of the spotlight was on Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. Reporters pressed them on the celebrated rivalry between their sides and India’s tag as the top favourite to win the championship. Their responses drew plenty of attention, reflecting the high expectations surrounding both teams.

But the highlight of the event came at its conclusion. What unfolded in the final moments of the press meet grabbed headlines and shaped the mood leading into the tournament. It left fans and experts buzzing with anticipation, setting the perfect stage for the action-packed weeks of cricket that lie ahead.

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The Highlighting Moment of the Asia Cup Press Meet:

At the conclusion of the press meet, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha headed straight for the exit, avoiding the traditional handshakes. Meanwhile, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav greeted his counterparts with handshakes and hugs, including Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, creating a clear contrast in gestures as the event came to an end.

The absence of a handshake or hug between Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha has already sparked discussions, hinting at the fierce rivalry expected when India and Pakistan face each other in the Asia Cup 2025. The moment has added further intensity to the already highly anticipated clash.

India will begin their Group A campaign on Wednesday with their first match against the UAE. Following that, the Men in Blue are scheduled to meet arch-rivals Pakistan on Sunday, a contest that promises to be one of the most awaited encounters of the tournament.

Suryakumar Yadav Speaks on Balancing Aggression vs Pakistan:

Ahead of the much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash, skipper Suryakumar Yadav was questioned about whether his team would control their emotions on the field. The query specifically pointed towards handling aggression during the high-pressure encounter. He, however, chose not to delve deeply into the subject. 

Speaking at the pre-tournament captains’ press meet, he calmly sidestepped the issue, neither confirming nor denying how the team might approach their intensity. His response suggested that India’s focus remains on performance and preparation, rather than distractions surrounding off-field narratives or rivalries that often dominate discussions before the big contest.

He said, “ Aggression (is) always there on field and you can't do without aggression if you want to win.”

When asked a similar question, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha made his stance clear. He emphasized that he does not want his players to hold back their emotions, encouraging them instead to play freely and let their natural instincts guide their performance on the field. He said, “ If someone wants to be aggressive that is his call. From my side I don't give anyone any instructions.”

Suryakumar mentioned that the Indian squad is mentally well-prepared, having gained confidence through rigorous training sessions. He highlighted that the team feels positive, focused, and ready to take on the upcoming Asia Cup challenges after productive practice and effective preparations. He further said, “ We have got few practice sessions. Feels good. It's will be a good challenge playing best teams from Asia Cup.”