That’s Why India Team Did Not Shake Hands with Pakistan Team: The Full Story Behind the Controversy

The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan went beyond cricketing rivalry, leading to a heated controversy around the Indian team’s decision not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts before and after the match. Here’s a detailed look into why Team India took this unprecedented step, its wider implications, and reactions from both sides.

Pre-Match Decision Aligned with Government and BCCI

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the choice to avoid handshakes was made collectively, with full alignment and support from the Government of India and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). “There are things in life that go beyond the spirit of sports. I also said during the presentation that we stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attacks, support their families, and express our solidarity with them. Our government and the BCCI were united on this decision.” Yadav said. The team came solely to play cricket and felt this gesture was part of a larger statement in the prevailing geopolitical context, particularly as a tribute to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

After India’s win against Pakistan in Dubai, captain Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the victory to the families of the Pahalgam martyrs, paying tribute to the soldiers and expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.#SuryakumarYadav #IndvsPak #PahalgamMartyrs #Tribute… pic.twitter.com/Ev9gnxnpOU

— Oneindia News (@Oneindia) September 15, 2025

Reportedly, the “No Handshake” policy was finalized before the toss. Match referee Andy Pycroft informed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar at the toss, which set the tone for what was to come during and after the game.

The Incident and Its Fallout

In line with the pre-match decision, Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Salman Agha before the game or during the toss. After securing a commanding seven-wicket victory, India’s players swiftly left the field without engaging in the customary handshake or post-match interactions. Instead, the Indian team made a beeline to their dressing room, shutting the door behind them, leaving the Pakistani team and officials standing on the field in disbelief.

Pakistan’s players, led by captain Agha and coach Mike Hesson, attempted to initiate the usual post-match handshakes but were rebuffed, which further escalated tensions. The Pakistani side expressed deep disappointment and considered India’s behavior unsportsmanlike.

Pakistan’s Official Protest

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) formally lodged a protest with the match referee and the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), condemning India’s conduct as against the spirit of the game. They alleged that the refusal to shake hands violated the ICC code of conduct, which expects teams to uphold sportsmanship and mutual respect irrespective of external conflicts.

PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi called India’s actions a “lack of sportsmanship” and accused the team of “dragging politics into sports.” The protest was underscored by Pakistan skipper Salman Agha’s boycott of the post-match presentation ceremony; a rare and significant departure from cricketing traditions.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Response

In the aftermath, Yadav maintained that the gesture was deliberate and symbolic. “We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply,” he said, emphasizing that the decision reflected India’s stance on recent political and security issues impacting the region. He also indicated that the team’s focus was on the cricketing contest itself, without letting off-field matters intervene.

This incident highlights the ongoing tension between the two nations that has influenced even the most cherished sporting traditions. While some see India’s no-handshake policy as a necessary political statement honoring national sentiments, others have criticized it for bringing politics into the game and disrupting the spirit of cricket.

                                               

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