The Indian cricket team, led by Suryakumar Yadav, has found itself at the center of a controversy following their Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan in Dubai. After securing a seven-wicket victory, the Indian team collectively decided to forego the customary post-match handshake with their Pakistani counterparts. This decision, described by some as a 'boycott', has sparked heated debate and drawn strong reactions from both sides.
Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed that the team made a deliberate choice not to shake hands with the Pakistani players. According to reports, the decision was influenced by the heightened geopolitical tensions between the two nations, particularly in light of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in April, which claimed the lives of 26 Indian tourists, and the subsequent 'Operation Sindoor' targeting terrorist bases across the border in May. In the post-match press conference, Suryakumar stated that the decision was "a proper reply" to Pakistan, suggesting it was a form of protest or demonstration of solidarity. He further emphasized that "some things are ahead of 'sportsman spirit'," and dedicated India's win to the armed forces and the families of the Pahalgam attack victims.
The move has been met with strong reactions. Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed his disappointment, noting that the Pakistani players were waiting on the field for the customary handshakes. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, also skipped the post-match ceremony in protest. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has escalated the matter by lodging complaints with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC), alleging that match referee Andy Pycroft favored India and demanding his removal. They claim Pycroft advised Agha not to initiate handshakes.
However, sources indicate that India will not face sanctions from either the ACC or the ICC for their actions, as handshakes are encouraged but not mandatory.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports suggest that the Indian team is planning to boycott Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief Mohsin Naqvi, who is also the head of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), if they win the Asia Cup final on September 28.
Amidst the controversy, Suryakumar Yadav's childhood cricket coach, Ashok Aswalkar, has strongly supported the team's decision. He stated that the refusal to shake hands was a reaction to the harm inflicted upon Indian citizens, and that shaking hands would imply a level of respect that is not warranted under the circumstances. "They hold no value for us, so why would we shake hands with them?" Aswalkar said. He also emphasized that the decision to play the match, despite calls for a boycott, was made at the highest level, and the players had no choice but to comply. Aswalkar believes that the Indian team has successfully conveyed its message through its actions.
