India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 (Source: AFP)
The high-voltage clash of the Asia Cup 2025 between India and Pakistan on September 14 ended in controversy far beyond the boundary ropes. While India registered a clinical victory on the field, it was the 'Men In Blues' decision to forgo the customary post-match handshake that ignited a storm in political and cricketing circles.
What Was 'No Handshake Incident' Between India & Pakistan?
Moments after captain Suryakumar Yadav struck the winning shot, Shivam Dube walked straight off the field without engaging with the Pakistani players.
However, Salman Ali Agha and 'Men In Green' walked toward the Indian dugout for the handshake, only to find the doors closed. Explaining the team’s decision, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said - “We made a team call. Some things go beyond sportsmanship. This victory is dedicated to our armed forces who were part of ‘Operation Sindoor’ and to the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.”
Pakistan Cricketers On India's Handshake Snub
Former Pakistani cricketers and officials were quick to respond with dismay and made strong comment on the incident.
Legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar expressed his disappointment during a post-match show on Pakistani broadcaster Tapmad -
- "I am speechless. It is disheartening. I do not know what to say. Hats off to India, well done. But do not make this political. This is a cricket match. We have said good things about you, just do the handshake, man, it is a game of cricket. Show some grace. Fights happen, but do not take it to the next level by not shaking hands,".
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif also stated similar concerns, saying -
- "Yes you are India cricket, yes you are the best team in the world .. but not to shake hands at the end of the game.. shows your real colours !!! Pakistan players were waiting but Indian players went inside the dressing room !! Where is ICC?" Latif asked.
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson also addressed the incident during the post-match press conference -
- “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We had gone towards them to shake hands but they had already gone back to the dressing room. It was a disappointing way for the match to finish. We were disappointed with the way we played but certainly we were willing to go and shake hands,” said Hesson in the post-match presser.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also voiced his strong disapproval, stating on social media -
- “Utterly disappointing to witness 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,” he wrote.
Political Reactions On Controversial Incident
Union Minister Chirag Paswan backed the Indian team’s decision;
- "If you are shaking hands with people who are responsible for killing your loved ones, then that could certainly upset the feelings of many. The players respected the game, played it with the right spirit, and showed respect to the victims in their own way by not shaking hands."
However, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut pulled no punches, labeling the match “shameless”:
- “The government disrespected the armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam attack by allowing this match. The handshake snub just made it a spectacle.”
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra added:
- “The government wanted the match to happen. To then make a mockery of it by refusing a handshake is laughable.”
On the Field: A Dominant Indian Performance
Amid the off-field chaos, India produced a dominant display. Bowling first, India restricted Pakistan to 127-9 in their 20 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 21, while Axar Patel claimed 2 wickets.
In response, India chased down the target comfortably with 25 balls to spare. Abhishek Sharma’s explosive 31 off 13 balls set the tone, while Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings with an unbeaten 47.
