In response to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI)'s no-handshake policy, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has asserted that Pakistan harbors no desire to extend the customary gesture if it is not reciprocated. This statement comes amidst escalating tensions between the two cricketing nations, where the traditional handshake has become a casualty of geopolitical friction.
The no-handshake policy was initiated by the Suryakumar Yadav-led Indian team during the Asia Cup in September 2025, following the Pahalgam terror attack. This decision has since been followed across various formats and tournaments, including the Women's World Cup, the U19 Asia Cup, and the Asia Cup Rising Stars tournament.
Naqvi addressed the issue during a press conference on December 28, 2025, emphasizing that Pakistan would engage with India on equal terms. "If they [India] don't want to shake hands, then we have no particular desire to do so either. Whatever happens, it will happen on an equal footing with India," Naqvi stated. He further asserted, "It's not possible for them to do one thing and for us to back down — that simply won't happen".
Naqvi also highlighted the PCB's stance on keeping politics and cricket separate, echoing sentiments expressed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. "Our belief remains the same even today, and believe me, the Prime Minister himself has told me twice that we shouldn't let politics come into all of this. From day one, our stance has been that cricket and politics should remain separate," Naqvi said.
The PCB chief also referenced an incident during the U19 Asia Cup final, where former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, serving as a mentor for the U19 side, accused the Indian team of unethical behavior. Ahmed claimed that some gestures from the Indian team were improper and that he had advised his players to celebrate responsibly.
The BCCI has maintained that the no-handshake policy is not a breach of any rule, as shaking hands is merely a goodwill gesture and not a mandatory requirement. A BCCI official stated, "If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team is not bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of a strained relationship".
This recent escalation in tensions adds to a series of controversies that have plagued India-Pakistan cricket in 2025. These include trophy snubs, accusations of provocative celebrations, and formal protests lodged with the International Cricket Council (ICC). These events have sparked debates about the spirit of the game and the role of politics in sports.
Despite the off-field tensions, both cricket boards have expressed a commitment to engaging with each other on an equal footing. However, the future of Indo-Pak cricketing relations remains uncertain as long as the no-handshake policy and other contentious issues persist.
