The India-Pakistan clash in the Rising Stars Asia Cup delivered its trademark intensity when Indian batter Ashutosh Sharma became the centre of a heated controversy. During the Group B match in Doha, Ashutosh was struck on the pads by a googly from Pakistan’s standout bowler, Saad Masood, in the 14th over. Pakistan immediately went up in a loud LBW appeal, and umpire Mahmood Kharoti raised his finger.
Ashutosh, however, refused to accept the decision. He gestured repeatedly that the ball had pitched and struck outside the off-stump line, something replays later confirmed. His partner, Nehal Wadhera, also appeared stunned by the call. Clearly frustrated, Ashutosh walked back for a six-ball duck, turning around to angrily express his disapproval to the umpire on his way out.
India’s Strong Start Falters Rapidly
Before the controversial dismissal, India had begun their innings in explosive fashion thanks to the in-form Vaibhav Suryavanshi. Fresh off a record-breaking century against the UAE earlier in the week, the young left-hander unleashed another powerful knock, hammering a quickfire 45 off 28 balls. His aggression propelled India to 50/1 at the end of the powerplay and later to 91/2 near the midway stage of the innings.
However, once Pakistan broke through the top order, India’s innings unravelled dramatically. The final seven wickets crashed for just 45 runs in 56 deliveries, leaving the side bundled out for 136 with one over still remaining. The collapse turned the momentum strongly in Pakistan’s favour after initially being on the receiving end of India’s attacking start.
No-Handshake Policy Continues
The tension between the teams extended beyond the playing field. Before the toss, the Indian squad once again upheld the BCCI’s ‘No Handshake’ protocol against Pakistan—a stance followed earlier during the Asia Cup in September.
At that time, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav refrained from shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha as a gesture of support for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. The Rising Stars Asia Cup match saw a continuation of this position, reinforcing the ongoing diplomatic undertones present whenever the two sides meet.
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