India team in their own way showed dissent to Pakistan. After crushing Pakistan in their encounter in Asia Cup, the Indian team chose not to engage in customary pleasantries. They did not participate in a handshake with the Pakistan Team.
There are many reactions coming from Pakistan side. Coach Mike Hesson expressed his displeasure at the events. He revealed that the Indian camp had actively refused to shake hands. This occurred despite the Pakistan team approaching them.
Pakistan captain Agha had gone towards the Indian dressing room but none of the players came out. Team India’s boycott of the customary handshake procedures annoyed Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson. He broke his silence and revealed that Pakistan was ready to shake hands.
“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. It was a disappointing way for the match to finish. We were unhappy with the way we played in the match. Certainly, we were willing to go and shake hands,” Hesson stated in the post-match press conference.
PCB Cries Over ‘No Handshake’ Controversy, Officially Lodges Protest Against India
The Pakistan Cricket Board has officially lodged a protest. This is due to Team India’s behaviour in the Asia Cup 2025 match. The issue arose following the no handshake row.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a statement. They said that skipper Salman was asked by the match referee during the toss not to shake hands with Suryakumar. The decision by India has been called ‘unsportsmanlike’, with the PCB deciding to officially lodge a protest.
PCB confirmed the decision in a statement. It read: “The match referee was Andy Pycroft. He asked captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart. This occurred at the time of the toss.” The Pakistan team management has lodged a protest, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports.
The PCB confirmed that captain Salman decided to skip the post-match presentation ceremony. This was a form of protest against the Indian team.
Shoaib Akhtar Joins the Rant
Speaking about the handshake snub, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar slammed Team India for this gesture, calling it “disheartening”.
“I’m speechless. It is disheartening to see, and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. Cricket match hain isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye. Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain. (Don’t make a cricket match political. We have said nice things about you. We can say a lot of things about the no handshake. Fights happen, even inside your house. Forget it, move on. It is the game of cricket, shake your hands, show your grace.)” said Akhtar.
Indian Team Acted with Solidarity
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning six against Pakistan. He then walked straight back to the dugout alongside Shivam Dube. Shivam Dube was also at the crease.
While the Indian players and staff exchanged embraces amongst themselves, there were no handshakes extended to the opposition.
This happened after Suryakumar and Agha did not shake hands during the toss. They also did not make eye contact at the start of the game. Political tension between India and Pakistan has been high since the Pahalgam terror attack. Military firings across the border in April and May 2025 also contributed to the tension.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav took time out to acknowledge the Pahalgam terror attack. In this tragic event, 26 civilians lost their lives in India’s Jammu and Kashmir.
Also read: India-Pakistan Asia Cup Face-Off Green-Lit; Government Maintains Bilateral Sports stand-off
“Perfect occasion, taking the time out, we stand by the victims of the families of Pahalgam. We express our solidarity. We also want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces. Hope they continue to inspire us all,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
India’s victory over Pakistan makes it two successive wins in the Asia Cup for the men in blue. The two nations may face off again in seven days. This will happen if both qualify for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup.
