🏏 The Rivalry Beyond Runs and Wickets
When India and Pakistan face off in cricket, the contest is always bigger than the game itself. The Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium lived up to that reputation—not only for the cricketing action on the field but also for the off-field controversy that followed.
While India emerged victorious with a seven-wicket win, the spotlight quickly shifted from the scoreboard to the post-match drama: India’s refusal to participate in the customary handshake with Pakistan players. The gesture, or rather the lack of it, triggered a heated response from the Pakistan camp, with team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filing a formal protest against what he described as “inappropriate behaviour” and “against sportsmanship.”
This incident has sparked debates across cricketing circles, media, and social platforms, with fans and analysts questioning whether sportsmanship was compromised in one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.
⚡ The Match: India’s Clinical Win Over Pakistan
Before diving into the controversy, it’s important to revisit the game itself.
Pakistan’s Struggle With the Bat
Pakistan, led by skipper Salman Ali Agha, won the toss and opted to bat first. The decision, however, quickly backfired as India’s pace attack struck early.
- Saim Ayub (0) and Mohammad Haris (3) were dismissed inside two overs by Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, leaving Pakistan wobbling at 6/2.
- Fakhar Zaman (17) tried to stabilize but couldn’t convert his start, falling in the 8th over to Axar Patel.
- Sahibzada Farhan (40 off 44) played a lone hand, hitting three sixes and a four, but the lack of partnerships hurt Pakistan badly.
- The middle order collapsed to 64/6 in 12.5 overs, exposing Pakistan’s recurring problem of fragility under pressure.
- A late cameo from Shaheen Afridi (33 off 16) with four sixes gave Pakistan’s innings some respectability, taking them to 127/9 in 20 overs.
India’s Comfortable Chase
India’s chase was built on calm and calculated batting.
- Despite losing Shubman Gill early, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13) set the tone with a blistering knock, including two sixes and four boundaries.
- Tilak Varma (31 off 31) partnered with Suryakumar Yadav (47 off 37)* to stitch a steady stand.
- India crossed the finish line with 25 balls to spare, winning comfortably by 7 wickets.
India’s performance was clinical, but the cricketing world’s attention soon shifted from the scorecard to what happened—or didn’t happen—after the final ball.
🚨 The No-Handshake Controversy: What Happened?
In cricket, the handshake tradition at the toss and after the match is seen as a symbolic gesture of respect and sportsmanship. However, during this India vs Pakistan encounter, the gesture was conspicuously absent on both occasions.
At the Toss
- Salman Ali Agha, after winning the toss, walked past Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav without shaking hands.
- Both captains instead joined commentator Ravi Shastri for the discussion.
- According to PCB, match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed captains not to shake hands at the toss—a decision Pakistan’s manager later described as “unusual” and “against the spirit of cricket.”
After the Match
- When India clinched victory with a six from Suryakumar, celebrations were contained within the team.
- Suryakumar and Shivam Dube exchanged fist bumps but walked straight to the dressing room.
- Indian players shook hands with each other at the dugout but avoided any interaction with Pakistan players.
- Meanwhile, Pakistan’s players waited for the customary handshake, only to see India’s dressing room door close.
This sequence of events angered Pakistan’s camp, leading to a formal protest.
📢 PCB’s Reaction: “Against Sportsmanship”
PCB released an official statement quoting team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, who condemned India’s actions.
- Cheema said: “Indian players’ refusal to shake hands is against sportsmanship. Cricket is a gentleman’s game, and such behaviour damages the spirit of the sport.”
- He also raised concerns about the role of match referee Andy Pycroft, who allegedly instructed captains to avoid handshakes at the toss.
In retaliation, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, further highlighting the rift.
🇮🇳 India’s Silence: Strategic or Oversight?
The Indian team has not issued an official statement yet. However, cricket insiders suggest a few possible explanations:
- Pre-Match Tension: Given the history and political undertones of India-Pakistan matches, the team management may have opted to minimize post-match interactions.
- Discipline Over Display: Some argue the team wanted to celebrate privately without engaging in heated exchanges.
- Referee’s Role: If Pycroft’s instructions applied both pre- and post-match, India may have simply followed protocol.
Still, many critics argue that India’s choice to avoid the handshake after the game sent the wrong message to fans and the global cricket community.
🌍 Media Reactions: Global Headlines
The incident quickly made headlines worldwide:
- ESPNCricinfo: “Handshake Missing in Asia Cup: Pakistan Files Protest Against India”
- BBC Sport: “India’s Post-Match Gesture Sparks Sportsmanship Debate”
- Gulf News: “No Handshake: Rivalry Between India and Pakistan Escalates Beyond the Field”
Social media amplified the incident further, with hashtags like #NoHandshake, #INDvPAK, and #AsiaCup2025 trending globally.
💬 Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
The cricket community remains divided:
- Indian Fans’ View: Many defended the team, arguing that “winning with dignity is enough” and that “sportsmanship is shown on the field.”
- Pakistani Fans’ View: Strong criticism poured in, with calls for ICC to take action against what they called “disrespectful behaviour.”
- Neutral Fans: A large group expressed disappointment, saying that cricket should rise above politics and tension.
⚖️ Spirit of Cricket: What Does It Mean?
The “Spirit of Cricket” is enshrined in the ICC Code of Conduct, emphasizing respect between players, teams, and officials. Handshakes, while symbolic, are an essential tradition reflecting this ethos.
By skipping the handshake:
- India risked being seen as dismissive.
- Pakistan felt disrespected, escalating the rivalry.
📊 Cricketory Insights
- Match Summary: India defeated Pakistan by 7 wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, chasing 128 with 25 balls to spare.
Star Performers:
- India – Suryakumar Yadav (47*), Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13), Hardik Pandya & Bumrah with early breakthroughs.
- Pakistan – Sahibzada Farhan (40), Shaheen Afridi’s late cameo (33 off 16).
- Turning Point: India’s pace attack dismantled Pakistan’s top order inside the first three overs.
- Controversy Highlight: No customary handshake before or after the match, leading PCB to file an official protest.
- Fan Sentiment: Indian fans defended the team’s stance, while Pakistani fans called it disrespectful; neutrals urged cricket to rise above politics.
- Looking Ahead: India are virtually into the Super Four, while Pakistan face a must-win against UAE to stay alive.
🔎 Tactical Takeaways from the Game
Beyond the controversy, both teams have much to reflect upon.
India’s Strengths
- Balanced Side: Strong batting order backed by versatile bowlers.
- Leadership: Suryakumar’s calm captaincy kept pressure off teammates.
- Momentum: With two wins, India’s Super Four spot looks secure.
Pakistan’s Concerns
- Fragile Top Order: Over-reliance on a few batters continues.
- Batting Depth: Lower-order cameos can’t mask middle-order failures.
- Mental Pressure: Off-field controversies may distract from on-field focus.
🔮 What Next for Asia Cup 2025?
This controversy adds another layer of drama to an already fiery tournament.
- India: Almost certain to qualify for Super Four; may rest key players.
- Pakistan: Must regroup and beat UAE to advance.
- Oman & UAE: Their clash could determine who survives in Group A.
❓ FAQs About the No-Handshake Controversy
Q1: Why didn’t India and Pakistan players shake hands?
👉 PCB claims India refused; reports suggest referee instructed captains not to at the toss.Q2: Did Pakistan officially protest?
👉 Yes, manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed a protest with the match referee.Q3: Was this the first time such an incident happened?
👉 While India-Pakistan matches have seen heated moments, avoiding post-match handshakes is rare.Q4: What role did Andy Pycroft play?
👉 PCB alleged Pycroft instructed captains not to shake hands at the toss, sparking questions about ICC protocols.Q5: Will ICC investigate?
👉 As of now, no official ICC statement has been released.🏁 Conclusion: Cricket or Controversy?
The India vs Pakistan clash in Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered for two things:
- India’s dominant win on the field.
- The handshake controversy that stole headlines afterward.
While India’s cricketing prowess cannot be questioned, their refusal—or decision—to avoid handshakes has raised questions about the spirit of cricket. For Pakistan, the protest may highlight valid concerns, but it also risks overshadowing the urgent need to fix their batting woes.