Dubai, UAE: The high-stakes Asia Cup 2025 encounter between India and Pakistan concluded in controversy after India’s players declined the customary post-match handshake, turning a cricket rivalry into a fresh flashpoint in their strained political relationship.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, confirmed that his squad deliberately avoided the gesture following India’s commanding seven-wicket victory in Sunday’s Group A T20 match. Speaking to reporters, Yadav said the win itself was “a perfect reply” to Pakistan amid heightened tensions following a brief but intense border conflict earlier this year.
A Match Played Under a Shadow
The contest had been uncertain for weeks as the Indian government debated whether to permit the team to travel. Fans hoped cricket might ease diplomatic friction. Instead, tensions deepened when Yadav and batting partner Shivam Dube walked straight off the field after hitting the winning runs, ignoring the Pakistani players waiting for the traditional handshake.
Pakistan’s squad and support staff remained on the pitch expecting the usual show of sportsmanship, only to watch the Indian team retreat to the dressing room.
Political Overtones
Pressed about the snub, the 35-year-old Indian skipper said, “Some things in life are above sportsmanship. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this win to our armed forces who carried out Operation Sindoor.”
His remarks referenced India’s missile strikes on six Pakistani sites, which New Delhi described as retaliation for an April 22 attack in Indian-administered Kashmir that killed 26 tourists. Pakistan countered with its own strikes two days later, before a brokered ceasefire ended the four-day confrontation.
Behind-the-Scenes Decisions
According to a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official who spoke to Al Jazeera, match referee Andy Pycroft privately asked both captains to forgo the customary handshake at the toss. Indian officials also received clearance to skip post-match greetings, but the Pakistani side was reportedly not informed leading to an awkward scene after the final ball.
Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed a formal protest, prompting Pycroft to apologise. Pakistan captain Agha declined to attend the host broadcaster’s post-match chat or speak to the media in silent protest, head coach Mike Hesson confirmed.
Why the Handshake Matters
International cricket tradition dictates that the batting pair from the chasing team shake hands first with fielders and umpires, followed by both entire squads meeting in the middle. Captains normally shake hands before the toss as well. These customs underscore respect and closure, making Sunday’s omission especially striking.
Tournament Officials React
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi criticised the episode on X (formerly Twitter): “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Bringing politics into cricket defies the spirit of the game.”
The ACC has yet to issue an official statement on claims that both captains were told to skip the pre-match handshake.
Looking Ahead
India, unbeaten in two games, have nearly secured a spot in the Super Four stage. Pakistan must defeat the UAE on Wednesday to keep their hopes alive. If both sides advance, another India-Pakistan showdown is set for Sunday in Dubai, this time under even greater scrutiny.
