Indian skipper Suryakumar hugs Pakistan-born Oman player, netizens remind him of Pahalgam victims

India’s Asia Cup victory over Oman in Abu Dhabi not only made headlines for the on-field performances but also reignited debate off the pitch. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who hugged Oman’s Pakistan-born opener Amir Kaleem after the match, drew interesting reactions online, with many recalling his earlier refusal to shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team in the name of solidarity with Pahalgam victims.

Pictures of Yadav interacting warmly with the Oman side, particularly the image of him embracing Karachi-born Amir Kaleem, went viral.

Internet users contrasted this gesture with his controversial stance against Pakistan, where he declined post-match handshakes and used his winning speech to highlight solidarity with Pahalgam victims.

Critics argued that such selective gestures went against the spirit of cricket and even the ICC’s code of conduct.

India stick to no-handshake policy for Pakistan rematch: Indian media

Interestingly, this so-called solidarity seemed confined to cricket. During the Commonwealth Beach Handball Championship, where Pakistan outclassed India in the opening clash, athletes from both countries freely exchanged handshakes and goodwill after the match. Pakistan went on to seal a commanding 2–0 win, with scorelines of 26–9 and 34–12.

Suarya Kumar Yadav hugging Pakistani born Amir Kaleem, pahalgam victims might be feeling betrayed, even their deshbakti is selective. pic.twitter.com/0IG7ZRTilV

— Haroon (@ThisHaroon) September 19, 2025

surya hugging a pakistani born player.
Betrayed pahalgam victims. 💔💔💔 pic.twitter.com/eyvxsaQcKH

— samiya 6-0 (@pinklininginsky) September 19, 2025

Surya Kumar Yadav shared a big hug with Amir Kaleem from Karachi. Amir is Pakistani and plays for Oman 🇮🇳🇵🇰🤯 pic.twitter.com/D0aHRmERX1

— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 19, 2025

Suar kumar yadav hug a omani player who's from pakistan, ab pahelgam yaad nhi aya. pic.twitter.com/IqybV6oJHW

— Shah Jahan 56 (@ShahJahanba56) September 20, 2025

"Suryakumar Yadav Shares A Warm Hug With Amir Kaleem From Karachi, Pakistan After The Match Against Oman" 😮😉🙂 pic.twitter.com/AgdfKVznFM

— Zaib Khan (@ZaibKhan1167320) September 19, 2025

On Friday, batting first in their Group A encounter, India posted 188 for 8 in 20 overs. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 38 off 15 balls gave the innings early momentum, while Sanju Samson anchored with a composed 56 off 45, laced with three fours and three sixes.

Oman bowlers Shah Faisal and Amir Kaleem shared two wickets apiece to restrict India’s scoring. Chasing 189, Oman managed 167 for 4 in their 20 overs. Kaleem led from the front with a fluent 64 off 46 balls, supported by Hammad Mirza’s 51 off 33. Despite their efforts, Oman fell 21 runs short.