A Match Overshadowed by Gesture
The much-anticipated India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 ended in a dominant seven-wicket victory for India in Dubai. Yet, the cricket itself has been pushed into the background. What made headlines worldwide was the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts — both at the toss and after the game.
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav later explained, “A few things in life are above the spirit of sport,” dedicating the win to the victims of the recent Pahalgam terror attack. The decision was not spontaneous but a deliberate stand, endorsed by the BCCI.
Why No Handshakes Happened
From the very beginning, the tension was visible. At the toss, both captains kept their distance. When the match ended, Pakistan lined up for the traditional handshake, but the Indians walked straight off the field. It was a public refusal, meant to send a message beyond cricket.
Pakistan’s Disappointment
The reaction in Pakistan was immediate. Coach Mike Hesson called the incident “disappointing,” stressing that his team was ready to uphold the spirit of the game. Captain Salman Ali Agha went a step further, skipping the post-match presentation ceremony altogether. PCB and ACC Chairman Mohsin Naqvi also criticized the gesture, calling it against the spirit of cricket.
A Humiliation on Two Fronts
For Pakistan, the day brought a double blow. On the field, they were outplayed in every department. Off the field, the lack of a handshake turned defeat into a symbolic snub. In sports, the handshake is more than formality — it is recognition of the opponent. Denying it created the impression of humiliation, magnified by media headlines and public opinion.
The Larger Debate: Sports vs Politics
This episode raises questions about whether political tensions should spill into sporting rituals. India justified the move as a protest aligned with national sentiment. Pakistan, on the other hand, argued that cricket should remain separate from politics.
The truth is, India–Pakistan matches have never been “just cricket.” Every run, wicket, and gesture carries political and emotional weight. Refusing the handshake was as much a message of defiance as it was a rejection of normalcy.
