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Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan concluded with more than just a cricket victory, as India’s decision to avoid traditional post-match handshakes sparked a significant controversy that overshadowed their commanding seven-wicket triumph in Dubai.
India’s dominant victory marred by diplomatic tensions against Pakistan
India delivered a clinical performance against their arch-rivals, successfully chasing down Pakistan’s modest total of 127 runs in just 15.5 overs. Captain Suryakumar Yadav led from the front with an unbeaten 47 from 37 balls, while spinner Kuldeep Yadav dismantled Pakistan’s batting lineup with impressive figures of 3/18. However, the match’s aftermath became the primary talking point when Indian players, led by Yadav, walked straight to their dressing room without engaging in the customary handshake with Pakistani players.
The controversy deepened when Pakistan players, including captain Salman Ali Agha and coach Mike Hesson, approached the Indian dressing room expecting the traditional gesture of sportsmanship, only to find the doors firmly shut in their faces. This unprecedented move prompted Pakistan Cricket Board to lodge a formal protest with the Asian Cricket Council, terming India’s actions as “against the spirit of sports“.
Shoaib Akhtar’s emotional response to India’s firm gesture
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed profound disappointment over India’s decision, delivering an emotional statement that resonated across the cricket community. Speaking on a Pakistani television show, Akhtar appeared visibly moved as he addressed the controversy: “I’m speechless. It is disheartening to see and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. Cricket match hain isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye“.
The legendary pacer, known for his fierce on-field rivalry with Indian batters during his playing career, urged both nations to separate politics from cricket. “Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain. Forget it, move on. It is the game of cricket, shake your hands, show your grace,” Akhtar continued, emphasizing cricket’s unifying spirit over political differences. Interestingly, Akhtar also supported Pakistan captain Agha’s decision to boycott the post-match presentation ceremony as a form of protest, stating “Thik kiya Salman Ali Agha ne, wo nahi gaya post match mein, good“.
The handshake controversy stems from the recent Pahalgam terrorist attack in April 2025, where 26 tourists were killed, followed by India’s Operation Sindoor that targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Head coach Gautam Gambhir reportedly orchestrated the no-handshake strategy, advising players to show solidarity with terror attack victims and avoid all pleasantries with Pakistani counterparts. Match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains not to shake hands during the toss, though no such guidance was provided for post-match protocols.
Shoaib Akhtar crying over the handshake saga 😂 Same guy was chilling with Asim Munir & Afridi months back. Well done Surya – strike as deep as Nur Khan Air Base! 🔥🇮🇳 #INDvsPAK #IndianCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #aisacup2025 #indvspak2025 https://t.co/6O4XkugN8U pic.twitter.com/t9V8pCk0U8
— Gaurav (@k_gauravs) September 15, 2025
