The aftermath of the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan continues to reverberate, with former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi emerging as a vocal critic of both the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav. Afridi's ire stems from the Indian team's decision to forego the customary post-match handshake following their victory, a move that has been interpreted by some as a deliberate snub.
Afridi has expressed his disappointment, terming the incident an "embarrassment in front of the world". He argues that sports should be kept separate from politics and that the handshake is a symbol of sportsmanship that should be upheld regardless of geopolitical tensions.
The decision by the Indian team not to shake hands reportedly came after directives from the Indian government and the BCCI. This backdrop is crucial, as the match was the first encounter between the two nations following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor, which heightened existing political tensions. Suryakumar Yadav, when questioned about the issue, stated that the team was aligned with the government and the BCCI.
Afridi's criticism extends beyond the handshake incident. He has also alluded to a perceived trend of some Indian players trying too hard to prove their Indian identity. This sentiment echoes previous controversies where Afridi has taken veiled digs at Indian cricketers, including revisiting his "bad egg" comment aimed at a former Indian player, hinting that this player ignored instructions from his captain not to post anything on social media. He also questioned India Legends' decision to pull out of the World Championship of Legends (WCL) match against Pakistan, suggesting that "few are still trying to prove they are Hindustani".
The handshake controversy has divided opinions. Some, like former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, have criticized Suryakumar Yadav's actions, with Agha skipping the post-match presentation ceremony in response. Others have defended the Indian team's stance, citing the prevailing political climate and the need to respect national sentiment.
The ICC's "Spirit of Cricket" emphasizes congratulating the opposition and thanking them and match officials at the end of a match. While a handshake snub could technically be seen as a breach of this spirit, penalties for such infractions are usually minor.
Afridi's remarks have reignited the debate about the role of politics in sports, particularly in the context of India-Pakistan relations. While he has stated that cricket can help improve relations between the two countries, he has also criticized the BCCI for "mixing politics with sports". He stressed the importance of dialogue and interpersonal connections in resolving issues between India and Pakistan.
The Asia Cup 2025 match and the controversies surrounding it underscore the complex interplay of sports, politics, and national identity in the India-Pakistan context. While some advocate for keeping sports separate from political tensions, others believe that sports can be a platform to express national sentiments and solidarity.
