Pakistan Cricket Team (Source:@ AFP)
In a significant development, Pakistan has officially lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) against the Indian team for refusing the customary post-match handshake. The incident unfolded after India’s seven-wicket win and has developed controversy and buzz among fans.
The high-voltage match which was played amid tension following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack, ended in a convincing win for India. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 47 off 37 balls, guiding his team to a comfortable victory in just 15.5 overs.
However, the post-match scenes overshadowed the result. As the Pakistani team, led by captain Salman Ali Agha, waited near the boundary for the customary handshake, the Indian players walked straight off the field and into the dressing room. The gesture left Pakistan’s players and coaching staff stunned.
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson, clearly agitated, was seen approaching the Indian camp before being held back by team officials. Later, in a press conference, he voiced his disappointment:
“We were ready to shake hands but felt let down when the opposition didn’t respond. On top of that, our performance itself was disappointing,” said Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson.
PCB Calls Indian Players' Actions "Against The Spirit Of The Game"
Later on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) released an official statement condemning India’s actions as "unsporting" and in violation of the spirit of the game.
“Team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players’ behaviour of not shaking hands. It was deemed as unsporting and against the sport of the game. As a protest we did not send our captain to the post match ceremony,” read a PCB statement as quoted by PTI.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav explained that the decision not to participate in the post-match handshake was a deliberate act of solidarity with the victims of the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
The incident has reignited political and sporting tensions between the two countries. It is essential to note that the ACC has not yet issued official response on this matter.
