“Regarding the handshake…” - Sourav Ganguly opens up on India vs Pakistan handshake row

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has heaped praise on the Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for his decision not to shake hands with the Pakistani players after their seven-wicket win on Sunday, September 14, in Dubai.

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Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Ganguly has asserted that once the schedule was announced by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the match had to take place. Moreover, Dada also talked highly about SKY’s decision not to shake hands.

"Match had to happen, once the schedule was announced. Regarding the handshake, he is the captain of India. It's his call. So, whatever decision he has taken, he has taken," Ganguly told NDTV in an exclusive chat.

For the unversed, after the India vs Pakistan clash, skipper Suryakumar Yadav has dedicated the seven-wicket win to the Indian armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor. Moreover, he also stated that the team stands by the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack.

"I think it's a perfect occasion and taking the time out, we stand by with the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack and we express our solidarity," Suryakumar said after the India vs Pakistan clash.

"Also the most important thing for me, we want to dedicate today's win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery and hope they continue to inspire us all and we give them more reasons on the ground, whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile," he added.

After a hat-trick of victories in the group stage against the UAE, Pakistan, and Oman in Group A, the Indian team topped the points table while Pakistan, led by Salman Ali Agha, secured the second rank in the standings.

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In the Super Four stage, India will take on Pakistan on Sunday, September 21. Later, they will lock horns with Sri Lanka and Bangladesh in the campaign.

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