Beyond the Boundary: A Clash of Emotions
The Asia Cup 2025 has once again highlighted that the rivalry between India and Pakistan is never confined to the cricket field. Beyond the on-field battle, tensions spilled into controversies when the Indian team refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts during and after their high-stakes encounter. The incident divided fans and experts worldwide—some viewed it as a justified act of national sentiment, while others condemned it as poor sportsmanship.
The Trigger: Suryakumar Yadav’s Stand
The spark came from Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who proudly declared that his team had delivered a “resounding defeat” to Pakistan. What stood out, however, was the deliberate absence of handshakes at the toss and after the match. Sources revealed that Indian players were instructed 30 minutes before the game to refrain from handshakes as a symbolic protest against the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed innocent lives. Yadav went further by dedicating the victory to the victims, amplifying the emotional impact of the gesture.
Pakistan’s Immediate Response
Feeling disrespected, Pakistan wasted no time in escalating the issue. Team manager Naveed Akhtar Cheema filed a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), describing India’s conduct as “inappropriate” and against the spirit of the game. According to reports, Cheema stressed that such actions undermine sportsmanship and could set a dangerous precedent for future tournaments.
Uproar in Pakistan: Experts React Strongly
The controversy sparked loud criticism in Pakistan’s cricketing circles.
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Basit Ali expressed shock and warned that such actions could damage future ICC events.
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Kamran Akmal openly criticised India’s stance on live television, calling it harmful to cricket.
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Rashid Latif went a step further, accusing India of revealing their “real faces” and questioned the ICC’s silence on the matter. “Where is the ICC in all this?” he demanded.
Symbolic Protest by Pakistan Skipper
Pakistan captain Salman Agha reportedly skipped the post-match presentation ceremony as a sign of protest. He was supported by the coaching staff, who also displayed dissatisfaction over the Indian team’s conduct.
Divided Opinions in India
Meanwhile, a significant section of Indian fans viewed the refusal to shake hands as a powerful symbolic act. For them, it was not unsportsmanlike but rather a strong message that the Pahalgam attack remained an open wound and could not be brushed aside by routine courtesies on the cricket field.
Another Chapter in the IND-PAK Saga
The latest controversy adds yet another chapter to the long and complex India-Pakistan cricket rivalry, where politics often overshadows the sport itself. Whether the ACC decides to act or remain passive will determine how relations unfold in the upcoming matches.
For now, while India’s dominance on the field was undeniable, it is the absence of a handshake that has become the defining talking point of the Asia Cup 2025.