Having already secured a spot in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup, India will clash with Oman on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium.
India Directed to Avoid Pakistani Net Bowlers Amid Handshake Controversy
In the wake of the ongoing handshake row at Asia Cup 2025, Indian players received strict instructions upon arriving at the ICC Academy in Dubai on Tuesday for training ahead of their final Group A Asia Cup match against Oman on Friday at the Dubai International Stadium.
According to Geo News, the Suryakumar Yadav-led squad was given a directive to “maintain distance from Pakistani net bowlers.”
At the ICC Academy, net bowlers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and India assist participating teams during practice. Historically, Indian players have interacted freely with net bowlers of all nationalities. Notably, Haris Rauf served as a net bowler for India during their 2018/19 Australia tour, working alongside senior players like Virat Kohli.
However, following the Asia Cup handshake controversy against Pakistan, team management has prohibited such interactions this time. Sources told Pakistani media that Indian players were explicitly instructed not to engage in casual conversations or take photos with Pakistani net bowlers. To enforce the directive, net bowlers are required to hand over their mobile phones before practice sessions, which are returned only after training concludes.
India Calls Off Practice and Pre-Match Press Conference
The Indian cricket team cancelled their scheduled practice session and pre-match press conference on Wednesday, designating it as a “rest day.” According to the BCCI’s pre-tournament schedule, players were supposed to participate in a three-hour practice session from 6 pm (local time) on September 17, with one team member available for media interaction.
However, on Tuesday, the BCCI confirmed the cancellations, stating: “Please note there will be no media and practice session tomorrow. It is a rest day. Will convey practice and PC time for pre-match PC for Thursday later,” via the official WhatsApp group.
