The Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan has ignited a controversy, with the central issue being the Indian team's decision to forgo the customary post-match handshake. This action, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, has sparked debate about sportsmanship and potential penalties.

Following India's victory over Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai, the Indian players walked straight to their dressing room without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts, breaking a long-standing cricketing tradition. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field without approaching the Pakistani team for the traditional post-match handshakes. Pakistan's players waited for the Indian squad, but the Indian team had locked their door.

Suryakumar Yadav said the team's action was aligned with directives from the Indian government and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He stated that the team decided against shaking hands with Pakistan players. Yadav also conveyed that the team considered some things to be ahead of "sportsman spirit". He dedicated the win to the Pahalgam terror attack victims and the Indian Armed Forces.

Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed his disappointment, calling it “a disappointing way to finish the match". Pakistan captain Salman Agha did not attend the post-match ceremony. Pakistan's manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, lodged a protest against the Indian cricket team's actions with the match referee, Andy Pycroft.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has taken the matter further by lodging a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). The PCB also wrote to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), demanding the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft from the ongoing Asia Cup. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi confirmed that the board has demanded “an immediate removal of the Match Referee from the Asia Cup” over alleged violations of the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC Laws pertaining to the Spirit of Cricket.

The ACC is reportedly considering disciplinary action against the Indian team.

Relevant Rules and Regulations

The ICC's Preamble – Spirit of Cricket states, “Congratulate the opposition on their success, and enjoy those of your own team. Thank the officials and your opposition at the end of the match, whatever the result”. Additionally, Article 2.1.1 of the ICC Code of Conduct lists “conduct that is contrary to the spirit of the game” as a Level 1 offence.

While the MCC Laws do not explicitly mandate handshakes, they emphasize the "spirit of cricket," urging players to respect opponents, umpires, and the game.

Potential Penalties

If the ICC deems India's actions to be a breach of the Spirit of Cricket, potential penalties could range from warnings to fines.

Arguments and Justifications

• India's Stance: Suryakumar Yadav stressed that the team's actions were in line with directives from the Indian government and the BCCI. The decision was influenced by political tensions and a desire to honor victims of the Pahalgam attack and Indian forces.
• Pakistan's Stance: Pakistan's coach and cricket board have expressed disappointment and lodged formal protests, arguing that the absence of handshakes violates the spirit of sportsmanship.
• Third party: Some argue that sports and politics should not be mixed, while others acknowledge the historical context of India-Pakistan matches.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to penalize Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team rests with the ICC. The ICC's decision will likely consider the specific circumstances, the existing regulations, and the broader implications for the spirit of cricket.