Handshake row after India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup

India beat Pakistan in Sunday’s Asia Cup match, but the post-match behavior of players has sparked bigger controversy than the result itself. The absence of handshakes between the two rival teams has become a major talking point in the cricket world.

Unlike the pre-match hype, the game itself lacked much competitiveness as India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, cruised to victory. After the match, when Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha and his teammates tried to exchange courtesies, the Indian players refused to shake hands. Yadav and Shivam Dube walked straight off the field and into the dressing room, which was then shut.

Later, at the presentation and press conference, Yadav explained the gesture was a message against the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. “Some things are bigger than emotions in cricket. We wanted to honor the families of those killed in Pahalgam and the Indian armed forces. This win is dedicated to them,” he said, adding that the decision was not his alone. According to a Telecom Asia Sports report, head coach Gautam Gambhir had instructed the players not to shake hands.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially protested, calling the behavior “unsporting.” In a statement, PCB said even the referee told Salman not to shake hands with Yadav during the toss. PCB also confirmed Salman skipped the post-match presentation as a form of protest, since the host was Indian.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson also branded the act unsporting and revealed captain Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the ceremony was deliberate. The team management has lodged a formal complaint with the match referee.

Former pacer Shoaib Akhtar slammed India’s actions as “disappointing.” “I am speechless. Making a cricket match political is not right. This is disappointing,” he said.

The incident has sparked heated reactions on social media and escalated tensions among fans in both countries.

India, with two wins from two, are nearly through to the next Super Fours stage of the tournament with their final group match against Oman on Friday.

Pakistan play UAE next on Wednesday and despite the defeat to India are expected to make the next stage.