Dubai — A fresh controversy has erupted at the Asia Cup 2025 after the high-voltage India–Pakistan clash ended with a handshake snub. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi criticised the Indian team’s conduct, calling it a “violation of sportsmanship” after India refused to exchange handshakes before and after the Group A match in Dubai.
Naqvi’s sharp criticism
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi expressed disappointment with India’s approach.
“Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace,” Naqvi wrote.
Naqvi’s comments were directed at stand-in Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team, who chose not to engage in handshakes with Pakistan players despite the customary tradition.
India’s symbolic protest
India’s decision was not without context. Just days before the match, 26 tourists were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, an incident attributed to Pakistan-based terrorists.
Suryakumar Yadav defended the team’s actions at the post-match press conference, stating:
“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. We dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor.”
The Indian players avoided handshakes both before the toss and after the game, when Pakistan players were reportedly waiting outside their dressing room.
Social media backlash
The gesture sparked heated debate online. While many lauded the Indian team for standing in solidarity with the victims of the terror attack, others accused them of mixing politics with sports.
Critics also pointed out that Suryakumar had previously shaken hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and ACC chief Mohsin Naqvi at the pre-tournament captains’ press conference, adding fuel to the debate.
Pakistan’s reaction
The Pakistan camp was visibly upset. Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, while Naqvi’s remarks intensified the political undertone of the fixture.
Reports suggest Pakistan’s management even approached the Indian dressing room post-match but received no response.
Clinical Indian win overshadows controversy
On the field, India delivered a commanding performance. Pakistan were bundled out for just 128 runs, courtesy of Kuldeep Yadav’s sharp left-arm wrist spin, which earned him the Player of the Match award. India then chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls.
The seven-wicket victory ensured India’s smooth progression in the tournament, even as off-field tensions dominated headlines.
Political undertones continue
The incident has reignited debates about cricketing ties between the two nations. In the days leading up to the match, several Indian groups had urged the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the fixture in light of the Pahalgam attack. However, the BCCI reportedly went ahead after consultations with security and government agencies.
Conclusion
The handshake controversy underscores the fragility of sporting relations between India and Pakistan, where politics, security concerns, and public sentiment often spill over onto the cricket field. While India’s emphatic victory was decisive, the symbolic protest and its fallout may linger far longer than the result itself.