Dubai: A fresh controversy erupted at the Asia Cup after Indian cricketers, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, skipped the customary handshake with their Pakistani counterparts following their seven-wicket win. The decision, according to the Indian camp, was taken as a mark of solidarity with victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

Indian camp denies referee’s role

Contrary to Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) allegation, sources in the Indian team told The Indian Express that match referee Chris Pycroft had not instructed players to forgo the handshake. Instead, the team management said the decision had already been made internally to honour those affected by the Kashmir violence.

Explaining the move at the post-match press conference, skipper Suryakumar Yadav said:

“I feel a few things, few things in life, are ahead of sportsmen’s spirit also.”

He also confirmed that Indian players did not shake hands with the Pakistan team either before or after the match.

PCB lodges official complaint

The PCB has lodged a formal complaint with the International Cricket Council (ICC), citing Article 2.1.1 of the ICC’s Code of Conduct, which addresses behaviour “contrary to the spirit of the game.” The complaint also referenced MCC Laws that emphasise respect for cricket’s traditions and values.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), demanded Pycroft’s removal from the tournament.

“The PCB has lodged a complaint with the ICC regarding violations by the Match Referee of the ICC Code of Conduct and the MCC Laws… We have demanded an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup,” Naqvi posted on social media.

Pakistan expresses disappointment

Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson voiced his team’s displeasure at the post-match scene. “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We went over there to shake hands but they had already gone into the changing room,” he told reporters.

The moment highlighted a sharp departure from the goodwill gestures seen in recent years, such as Virat Kohli chatting with Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi congratulating Jasprit Bumrah, or Indian players celebrating Babar’s birthday in 2022.

Rivalry overshadows camaraderie

Despite the controversy, the fixture drew a near-capacity crowd at the Dubai International Stadium, in stark contrast to the sparse attendance in other matches of the tournament. The India-Pakistan rivalry continues to be the marquee draw of the Asia Cup, with the possibility of up to two more encounters if Pakistan secure a Super Four berth by defeating the UAE.

The incident underscores how political tensions and security concerns can spill over into the sporting arena, testing cricket’s long-standing ethos of sportsmanship and mutual respect.