India v Pakistan: No handshakes at Asia Cup after first match since conflict

India and Pakistan cricketers did not shake hands after their first meeting since the conflict between the two nations earlier this year, with India winning the Asia Cup tie by seven wickets.

India cruised home with 25 balls to spare in pursuit of 128, after which captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was unbeaten on 47, and batting partner Shivam Dube immediately left the field.

Pakistan’s players appeared to walk towards India’s dugout when they left the field but the India players had already returned to the dressing room.

There was also no handshake between Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Agha at the toss in Dubai.

Suryakumar was not asked directly about the conflict or lack of handshakes at the post-match presentation, but said the win was a “perfect return gift to India”.

After his final question, he added: “We stand by with the victims and families of the terror attack and express our solidarity.

“We want to dedicate today’s win to all of our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery.”

No Pakistan players spoke at the presentation.

India and Pakistan engaged in a four-day military conflict in April following a deadly militant attack on tourists in India-administered Kashmir.

India blamed Pakistan for the attack – which Pakistan denied – and then launched air strikes inside Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, with Pakistan firing missiles back.

It was the worst military confrontation between the neighbouring countries in decades, with dozens of people killed.

The countries already did not play each other in cricket other than at global events. There were calls for the Asia Cup to be cancelled or the match boycotted, but it went ahead.