DUBAI: As per stringent directives from team management, Indian cricket players competing in the Asia Cup are avoiding close contact with Pakistani net bowlers during their practice sessions at Dubai’s ICC Academy, according to sources on Tuesday.
The move follows a recent controversy when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Mohsin Naqvi, the chairman of the Pakistan Cricket Board and the Asian Cricket Council, during the unveiling of the Asia Cup trophy. The crew was under pressure after the image went viral and sparked a ferocious backlash from Indian media and social media sites.
Net bowlers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan frequently help teams during practice at the ICC Academy. These bowlers used to frequently pose for pictures with famous players, including as Virat Kohli.
