After the match, the Indian team refused to come out for the traditional handshake.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chief, Mohsin Naqvi, criticised India’s behaviour after their Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai. Naqvi said the Indian players refused to shake hands with Pakistan before and after the match. He called it a violation of sportsmanship.
"Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let's hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace," Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter).
India, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. The Indian side chased down a modest 128-run target in just 15.5 overs. Spinner Kuldeep Yadav dominated Pakistan’s batting, taking key wickets and winning the Player of the Match award. Suryakumar finished the chase with an unbeaten 47 runs.
Despite the clinical win, the tension around the game remained high. Just days earlier, 26 tourists were killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam, blamed on Pakistan-based terrorists.
The tension was visible right from the start. At the toss, Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. After the match, the Indian team also refused to come out for the traditional handshake. Reports said Pakistani players waited outside the Indian dressing room, but the Indian squad never showed up.
At the press conference, Suryakumar Yadav explained India’s decision. He said the team stood with the victims and families of the Pahalgam attack.
"I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit," Suryakumar said. "We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor."
The statement made it clear that the handshake snub was a symbolic protest and a tribute to the victims and Indian forces.
Suryakumar faced criticism online for shaking hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi earlier at the pre-tournament trophy launch in Dubai. Many fans pointed out the contrast between that event and the Asia Cup match.
On the other side, Pakistan’s reaction was strong. Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match presentation. His absence fuelled more speculation about Pakistan’s mood after the defeat and the controversy.
Public opinion in India was already split before the match. Several groups wanted India to boycott the fixture after the Pahalgam attack. But the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) went ahead with the match. Reports said the decision came after high-level talks with the Indian government and security officials.
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