Saira Imran Indian players skip handshake after Asia Cup 2025 match, sparking a storm of debate over sportsmanship and the spirit of cricket. The incident happened at the Dubai Stadium, where India defeated Pakistan with ease, but what followed off the field overshadowed the entire contest.
India Refuses Traditional Gesture After Victory
After the Asia Cup 2025 match, the Indian team walked straight to their dressing room without shaking hands with the Pakistani players. Fans and cricket experts worldwide expressed shock and disappointment, calling the move against the ethics and traditions of the sport.
This act raised serious questions about whether political pressure and outside influences had shaped the team’s behavior.
Pressure on Indian Captain Yadav
A few days before the high-voltage clash, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav faced harsh criticism at home for shaking hands with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi. Under this pressure, Yadav avoided greeting Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha even at the toss, signaling that the matter went beyond cricket.
Pakistan Attempts to Keep Spirit Alive
After the Pak vs Ind match, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson went to the Indian dressing room to continue the sporting tradition. However, they found the doors closed, and no Indian player stepped outside.
Coach Hesson later said:
“We wanted to respect the game’s tradition and were ready for a handshake, but sadly, the opposition had already left. It was an unfortunate way to end such a big match.”
Reports Confirm Pre-Planned Strategy
Indian media outlets, including NDTV, later confirmed that the incident was not spontaneous. According to their reports, head coach Gautam Gambhir had instructed Indian players beforehand not to shake hands or communicate with their Pakistani counterparts.
This revelation turned the issue from an emotional reaction into a deliberate strategy, sparking even more criticism.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Reacts Strongly
Asian Cricket Council President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi condemned India’s behavior. He said:
“It was disappointing not to see sportsmanship in such an important match. Dragging politics into cricket damages the true spirit of the game. I hope that in the future, teams celebrate victories with dignity and respect.”
Naqvi’s remarks gained wide attention as many fans agreed that cricket should remain free from political influence.
Pakistan Captain Boycotts Closing Ceremony
In protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation ceremony. Sources revealed that he also declined to speak with the Indian presenter.
Coach Mike Hesson confirmed Agha’s decision, saying the captain’s boycott was a natural response to India’s refusal of the handshake.
Official Protest by Pakistan Team Manager
Pakistan team manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged an official protest with the match referee. He declared that India’s refusal to shake hands was a violation of sportsmanship.
He also revealed that the match referee had earlier advised both captains not to shake hands during the toss, which raised further questions about the referee’s role in the controversy.
Analysts Criticize India’s Conduct
Sports analysts across South Asia criticized India’s approach, stating that it harmed cricket’s image worldwide. They noted that Pakistan had consistently tried to promote positive traditions and send a message of friendship through cricket, while India’s refusal painted a different picture.
Despite securing a convincing win, critics argued that India’s behavior overshadowed its performance on the field. The incident left many asking whether politics had taken center stage in cricket’s biggest rivalry.
Looking Ahead
The Indian players skip handshake controversy has added a new chapter to the already tense Pakistan-India cricket rivalry. While cricket fans love the competition between the two nations, many are urging both boards to ensure that sportsmanship remains at the heart of the game.
The Asia Cup will move forward with more matches, but the shadow of this controversy is likely to remain. For many, this was not just about a missed handshake—it was about respect, values, and the future of cricket itself.
