Following India's victory against Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, the absence of the customary handshake between the two teams has sparked considerable debate and controversy. India's captain, Suryakumar Yadav, addressed the issue, stating that the decision was made in alignment with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian government. He further emphasized that "a few things are ahead of sportsmanship," alluding to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and the subsequent military response, Operation Sindoor.
The match, held in Dubai, saw India securing a seven-wicket win over Pakistan. However, the typically cordial post-match exchange was noticeably absent as the Indian players walked off the field without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts. This led to Pakistan players protesting by refusing to attend the post-match ceremony.
Yadav explained that the team's decision was a gesture of solidarity with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and in support of the armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor. He stated that the team had come to the Asia Cup with the primary focus of playing cricket and that their performance on the field was their response. He dedicated the win to the armed forces.
Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, expressed his disappointment with the Indian team's refusal to shake hands. He confirmed that the Pakistani team was ready for the customary gesture and were disappointed to see the Indian team leave for the changing room immediately after the match. Pakistan has lodged a formal protest against India, citing a breach of the spirit of sportsmanship. In addition to the handshake snub, Pakistan captain Salman Agha also skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.
The cross-border tensions, stemming from the attack in Pahalgam in April, which resulted in the deaths of 26 people, have cast a shadow over sporting relations between the two countries. India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, leading to heightened tensions. Despite calls to boycott the match, New Delhi permitted the team to participate in the Asia Cup but only in multi-national events.
The match itself saw India chase down a target of 128 runs in 15.5 overs, with Suryakumar Yadav scoring an unbeaten 47. Kuldeep Yadav's impressive spin bowling restricted Pakistan to a below-par score of 127-9 in their 20 overs.
