The high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 ended with India winning by seven wickets. However, the result was quickly overshadowed by a fresh controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has lodged an official complaint after the Indian team, led by Suryakumar Yadav (SKY), refused to take part in the customary post-match handshake with Pakistani players.
What Happened?
- India defeated Pakistan on September 14, 2025, in a Group A match held in Dubai.
- After the game, Indian players walked straight off the field and did not shake hands with the opposition team.
- Even the traditional handshake at the toss between captains was skipped.
- In protest, Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match presentation ceremony.
Why Did India Refuse the Handshake?
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) explained that the decision was not out of disrespect for cricketing traditions but a mark of solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
“There are times when certain things are ahead of sportsmanship. We wanted to stand with our people back home,” SKY said in the post-match press briefing.
The attack in April 2025 and the brief military conflict that followed have heightened tensions between the two nations, making this Asia Cup fixture politically sensitive.
Pakistan’s Official Protest
The PCB submitted an official complaint to match referee Andy Pycroft, calling India’s refusal to shake hands a violation of sportsmanship and cricket etiquette.
Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment:
“Our players were waiting for the handshake, but the Indian team had already left. We feel this was unnecessary and against the spirit of the game.”
Why This Is a Big Deal
- Handshakes are a standard cricketing tradition, both at the toss and after the match. Skipping them is rare and seen as a strong symbolic gesture.
- Given the political backdrop — India and Pakistan had a short border conflict in May 2025 — the refusal has taken on added significance.
- This was India and Pakistan’s first meeting since that conflict, and the atmosphere was already tense.
ACC and ICC’s Next Move
- The complaint will first be reviewed by the match referee, who can report it to the Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
- If required, the case may also go to the International Cricket Council (ICC) for further consideration.
- As of now, no action has been taken, but both boards are expected to meet ACC officials in Dubai later this week.
Fans and Experts React
The incident has divided opinion:
- Pakistani fans and officials: call it “unsporting” and “disrespectful.”
- Indian supporters: say the team’s decision reflects the mood of the nation after recent security concerns.
- Cricket experts: warn that politics and sport should not mix, but acknowledge that India’s move carries symbolic weight.