Team India’s decision to skip the customary handshake with Pakistan after their Asia Cup 2025 win in Dubai created a storm of reactions. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later clarified that the call was not a personal choice but one that came from the BCCI and the Indian government.
A Gesture with Political Weight
Handshakes in sport are seen as a mark of respect and sportsmanship. By choosing not to shake hands with Pakistan, India sent a clear message that this was more than just about cricket. The backdrop of the April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives, added weight to the gesture.
The move echoed Ukrainian tennis star Elina Svitolina’s stand, where she has refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players since 2022. Just as the WTA respected her protest, many in India saw the cricket team’s silence as a symbolic show of solidarity.
What Happened in Dubai
At the toss, Suryakumar avoided contact with his counterpart Salman Ali Agha. After sealing victory with a match-winning six, he walked off with Shivam Dube, again skipping the tradition.
Interestingly, days earlier at a press event, Suryakumar did briefly shake hands with Agha and ACC chairman Mohsin Naqvi, though without any pleasantries. That moment sparked debate back home, intensifying calls for a boycott of the game.
Pakistan’s Strong Reaction
Pakistan did not take the snub lightly. Captain Salman Ali Agha refused to attend the post-match presentation, while the PCB filed an official complaint against match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of instructing captains not to shake hands.
Coach Mike Hesson voiced disappointment:
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. It was a disappointing way for the match to finish.”
Suryakumar Explains the Stand
Addressing the media, Suryakumar looked calm despite the controversy.
“Our government and BCCI, we were aligned today. We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam attack. We dedicate this win to our armed forces,” he said.
He stressed that some things in life go beyond sport, and this was one such moment.
A Match Played in Silence
The lack of handshakes was in line with the overall mood of the game. Players barely interacted, there was no sledging, no smiles, and no casual exchanges. The message was clear — India’s stance was shaped by a higher directive, not by personal animosity.
With the PCB’s protest lodged and emotions running high, this story is far from over. The BCCI may need to step in with clarity on how the call was made, but for now, Team India’s actions speak louder than words.
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