India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025: Handshake Snub Adds Fuel to Fiery Rivalry
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai delivered drama both on and off the field. India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory, but what followed overshadowed the cricket. Indian players walked off without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a move that ignited a storm of reactions.
Handshake Snub Overshadows India vs Pakistan Clash
At the toss, match referee Andy Pycroft advised both sides to skip the post-match handshake, citing political sensitivities. India followed the directive strictly. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later confirmed that the team, in agreement with the BCCI and the government, had decided against the gesture. Pakistan’s players, however, waited in vain, expecting a traditional show of respect that never came.
Salman Agha’s Protest After India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
The controversy grew when Pakistan captain Salman Agha refused to appear for the post-match presentation. Coach Mike Hesson explained that the handshake snub triggered Agha’s reaction. Soon after, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a protest against the match referee for mishandling the situation.
Suryakumar Yadav, after India’s win against Pakistan in the Asia Cup, took a moment to speak about the tragic Pahalgam attack. 🕊️
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 14, 2025
He expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, dedicating the win to those affected. 🙏🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/6hbFDdhks6
Political Backdrop of the Rivalry
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has always carried a political edge. This was the first encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which had already strained ties. While India agreed to play in the Asia Cup, bilateral cricket remains frozen. Against this tense backdrop, India’s refusal to exchange handshakes became more than a symbolic act—it was seen as a statement of solidarity with victims of terrorism.
Divided Opinions After the Asia Cup Showdown
Not surprisingly, reactions split sharply. Suryakumar Yadav defended the stance, saying, “Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.” Pakistan’s officials condemned the decision, calling it “against sportsmanship.” Hesson voiced disappointment, stressing that his players had been ready to show respect despite the rivalry. With the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 already a high-voltage fixture, this controversy has pushed the rivalry into even fiercer territory.
The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match in Dubai delivered drama both on and off the field. India secured a convincing seven-wicket victory, but what followed overshadowed the cricket. Indian players walked off without shaking hands with their Pakistani counterparts, a move that ignited a storm of reactions.
Handshake Snub Overshadows India vs Pakistan Clash
At the toss, match referee Andy Pycroft advised both sides to skip the post-match handshake, citing political sensitivities. India followed the directive strictly. Captain Suryakumar Yadav later confirmed that the team, in agreement with the BCCI and the government, had decided against the gesture. Pakistan’s players, however, waited in vain, expecting a traditional show of respect that never came.
Salman Agha’s Protest After India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025
The controversy grew when Pakistan captain Salman Agha refused to appear for the post-match presentation. Coach Mike Hesson explained that the handshake snub triggered Agha’s reaction. Soon after, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) filed a protest against the match referee for mishandling the situation.
Clinical chase by Team India! 🇮🇳🔥
— wicketbuzz (@wicketbuzz) September 14, 2025
India defeats Pakistan by 7 wickets in a high-voltage Asia Cup clash — what a game! 👏💥
📸 Getty #INDvsPAK #AsiaCup2025 #TeamIndia #CricketThriller #Victory #ChaseMasterclass #SuryakumarYadav #AbhishekSharma #WicketBuzz #Getty pic.twitter.com/picwag92is
Political Backdrop of the Rivalry
The India vs Pakistan rivalry has always carried a political edge. This was the first encounter since the Pahalgam terror attack in April, which had already strained ties. While India agreed to play in the Asia Cup, bilateral cricket remains frozen. Against this tense backdrop, India’s refusal to exchange handshakes became more than a symbolic act—it was seen as a statement of solidarity with victims of terrorism.
Divided Opinions After the Asia Cup Showdown
Not surprisingly, reactions split sharply. Suryakumar Yadav defended the stance, saying, “Few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.” Pakistan’s officials condemned the decision, calling it “against sportsmanship.” Hesson voiced disappointment, stressing that his players had been ready to show respect despite the rivalry. With the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 already a high-voltage fixture, this controversy has pushed the rivalry into even fiercer territory.
