T20 World Cup 2026: Suryakumar Yadav makes BIG statement on handshake issue before Pakistan clash

New Delhi: India and Pakistan will clash in the T20 World Cup 2026 on February 15. In a press conference before the crucial match in Colombo, Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav hit two birds with one stone. In fact, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had said that he wanted to see Abhishek Sharma play in this match. Surya has announced that he will fulfill this wish of Salman as well as the Indian fans. Suryakumar Yadav said in the press conference that if Salman Ali Agha wishes, we will definitely play Abhishek Sharma in this match.

Ahead of the match against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, Suryakumar Yadav answered several important questions. He also took a dig at Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and Pakistan. He also offered his opinion on whether Team India will shake hands with Pakistani players after the match.

What did Suryakumar Yadav say about the handshake controversy?

It should be noted that before the India-Pakistan match, Salman Agha said regarding the handshake controversy that the India-Pakistan match should be played without any tension and in a good sportsmanship. My personal suggestion does not matter much; the management will decide the future. However, our team has no problem with shaking hands. When asked for his opinion on this matter, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav said, "We will solve this mystery tomorrow and decide whether the game is more important or the handshake." Wait 24 hours for this, eat well, and go to sleep.

What did Suryakumar Yadav say about Abhishek Sharma?

Suryakumar Yadav has given the biggest good news regarding Abhishek Sharma. There was suspense about his participation before this match, but now Surya has humorously confirmed that Abhishek Sharma will be hitting the opponents on February 15th.

Previously, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had said that he wanted Abhishek Sharma to play in this match and expressed hope that Abhishek was well. When asked about this, Surya laughed and said, "If Salman Ali Agha wants, we will definitely play Abhishek Sharma."

Pakistan has consistently fallen to India in the T20 World Cup. With the exception of their lone victory in 2021, Team India has defeated them seven times in the mega event. In the recent Asia Cup 2025, Surya and company also overpowered Salman Ali Agha's team, defeating them three times, including in the final.

What did Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha say?

Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not give a direct answer to the question of shaking hands with Indian players after the toss or the match in Sunday's T20 World Cup, but said the game should be played in the spirit it is known for. Indian and Pakistani players have stopped shaking hands since last year's Asia Cup in Dubai. The tournament was played against the backdrop of the Pahalgam attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor by the Indian armed forces.

Responding to the question about the tradition of shaking hands, Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha said on Saturday, "We will see about it tomorrow." Agha clarified that the spirit of the game should be maintained under all circumstances. "Cricket should be played in the (right) spirit. My personal opinion may not matter. But cricket should be played in the way it should always have been played. It is up to them to decide what to do."

Meanwhile, it has been learned that the atmosphere in the Indian camp ahead of Sunday's match at the Premadasa Stadium has been more restrained than aggressive. The team will follow the instructions of the higher authorities, leaving the final decision to them. However, within the Indian team, there is also caution regarding public sentiment on social media, as emotions remain highly sensitive following the Pahalgam attack and reactions can be sharp.