Following India's decisive victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, Pakistan's coach, Mike Hesson, has voiced his disappointment regarding the post-match conduct of the Indian team. The controversy arose after the Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. Furthermore, Pakistan's captain, Salman Ali Agha, allegedly boycotted the post-match ceremony in protest.

Hesson confirmed that the team management lodged a complaint with the match referee concerning the Indian team's behavior. He expressed his disappointment that India did not reciprocate the customary exchange. He stated that the Pakistani team was keen to shake hands.

The backdrop to this tension stems from a recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent deterioration of relations between India and Pakistan. The attack, which killed 26 people, predominantly tourists, led to widespread outrage in India. In response, India reportedly launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror hubs across the border. These events have significantly strained the relationship between the two nations, impacting sporting ties.

Prior to the match, there were calls within India to boycott the game. Critics argued that playing cricket with Pakistan, while relations remained frozen, was insensitive to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives. Some opposition leaders viewed a boycott as an opportunity to demonstrate India's firm stance against terrorism.

However, the Indian government clarified its position, stating that while bilateral cricket with Pakistan would not occur, participation in multinational tournaments like the Asia Cup was mandatory. An Indian cricket team support staff member addressed the sensitive issue before the match, emphasizing that the team would adhere to the directives of the BCCI and the Indian government.

Despite the tension, Pakistan's opener, Saim Ayub, attempted to downplay the geopolitical context of the match. He stated that the team was not overly focused on the game's significance and were approaching it like any other. He also said that the team management's message had been to learn from the past and focus on improving their execution.

Following the victory, India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, dedicated the win to the Indian armed forces and the victims of the Pahalgam attack. He also defended the decision not to shake hands, suggesting that the team had given Pakistan a "proper reply" on the field. Some observers noted that Suryakumar made a point of not shaking hands with Salman Ali Agha at the toss.

The incident has sparked mixed reactions, with some defending India's stance given the current political climate, while others criticize the perceived lack of sportsmanship.