The Asia Cup 2025 has seen more drama off the field than on it. Just days after the handshake controversy against Pakistan, the Indian cricket team was given a strong instruction by their management.
When the players reached ICC Academy in Dubai for practice, they were told clearly to stay away from Pakistani net bowlers.
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This new step from the BCCI shows how careful the team wants to be as they prepare for their next game against Oman.
Why did Indian players receive such strict orders from BCCI?
Normally, Indian cricketers are friendly with net bowlers during training. They often talk, laugh, or even take pictures together.
In past tournaments, players from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan have all helped teams as net bowlers.
One famous example is Haris Rauf, who once bowled in Indian nets during the 2018–19 Australia tour before becoming a Pakistan star.
But this time things have changed. After the tense India vs Pakistan clash in Dubai, where the no-handshake incident made headlines, the Indian board does not want any fresh controversy.
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Reports say the players were specifically told not to chat casually or take photos with Pakistani net bowlers.
What new rules were added for net sessions?
According to media reports, the net bowlers themselves had to follow strict steps. They were asked to hand over their mobile phones before the session and only got them back after practice ended.
This move was made to avoid any chance of pictures or videos leaking from the ground.
The Indian team also decided to cancel its planned training and press conference on Wednesday, calling it a “rest day.”
Earlier, the schedule showed a three-hour practice session along with media interaction, but the board later confirmed both were dropped.
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How is this linked to the Asia Cup row with Pakistan?
The India-Pakistan rivalry has always been intense, but the latest handshake row has taken it to another level.
With both cricket boards already on edge, the BCCI wants to keep players focused only on the tournament and avoid unnecessary headlines.
By keeping distance from Pakistani net bowlers, the team is trying to make sure nothing adds more fuel to the ongoing drama.
India will next play Oman at the Dubai International Stadium but all eyes are already on how things will unfold once the Super Four begins.
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