• Shoaib Akhtar voiced frustration on India refusing handshake post Asia Cup 2025 encounter with Pakistan.

  • India's decisive win was overshadowed by a diplomatic storm as their Indian players snubbed post-match handshakes.

Shoaib Akhtar expresses disappointment over India’s no-handshake move after Asia Cup 2025 clash with Pakistan
Shoaib Akhtar expresses disappointment over India’s no-handshake move after Asia Cup 2025 clash with Pakistan (Image source: X)

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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“.

Also READ: Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson hits back at India’s ‘disappointing’ refusal of post-match handshake

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.

Also READ: “Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces”: Suryakumar Yadav on India’s dominant victory against Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025

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About the Author:
AKASH THAPA
Akash Thapa is a dedicated cricket journalist with three years of experience in the media industry. A BA (JMC) graduate from VIPS, GGSIPU, and a postgraduate in MAJMC from the University of Lucknow, Akash combines his academic credentials with a deep-rooted passion for cricket.His background as a former junior-level wrestler and cricketer enriches his insightful analysis and commentary on the game. Known for his inventive approach to writing and his commitment to capturing the nuances of cricket, Akash is a true aficionado of the sport.Connect with Akash on LinkedIn, X, and Instagram.