India Vs Pakistan: Asia Cup 2025: PCB Blasts India Over ‘No Handshake’ Row, Calls It Unsporting After Emotional Tribute Gesture.

Introduction:

The Asia Cup 2025 has seen its fair share of rivalries, but the latest controversy between India Vs Pakistan has gone beyond cricket. Following India’s emphatic seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai, a storm erupted over the ‘No Handshake’ row.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has officially lodged a protest against India’s decision to avoid handshakes with Pakistan players, calling it “unsporting” and “against the spirit of the game.” On the other hand, India defended the move as an emotional tribute to soldiers and civilians killed in the Pahalgam terrorist attack.

This fiery incident has become the biggest talking point of the Asia Cup, dividing fans, pundits, and officials worldwide.

India Vs Pakistan: The Flashpoint: Why Did India Refuse Handshakes?

• At the toss, match referee Andy Pycroft reportedly instructed Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart Suryakumar Yadav.

• The Indian team had already decided to avoid handshakes with Pakistan players as a mark of respect to martyrs of Operation Sindoor and victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.

• After the match, India directly walked off to their dressing room, refusing customary handshakes.

👉 India captain Suryakumar Yadav later clarified:

“A few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. This was our way of giving a proper reply.”

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India Vs Pakistan: PCB’s Angry Response

The PCB immediately hit back, calling the act:

• Unsportsmanlike

• Against the spirit of cricket

• A direct insult to Pakistan players

📌 PCB’s official statement:

“The match referee asked captain Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar at the toss. Our team management lodged a protest, calling this behaviour against the spirit of sports.”

As part of the protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha even skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, leaving the trophy handover delayed by several minutes.

Pakistan Camp Reactions

• Mike Hesson (Head Coach): Called Salman’s absence a “flow-on effect” of India’s decision.

• Team Manager Naveed Cheema: Lodged a formal protest with match officials, terming India’s behaviour unacceptable.

• Players’ disappointment: Reports suggest Pakistani players felt “disrespected” when their attempts to initiate friendly gestures were rejected.

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Indian Camp’s Justification

While the PCB fumed, the Indian side stood united in their stance.

• Suryakumar Yadav (Captain):

  “This was not about Pakistan, this was about paying tribute. Cricket is big, but life and sacrifice are bigger.”

• Indian sources revealed that Suryakumar also skipped handshakes with UAE captain Muhammad Waseem at an earlier toss, proving it was not Pakistan-specific but part of a broader stand.

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Global Reactions: Cricket Divided

The controversy has ignited global reactions:

• Pakistani media slammed India’s actions as arrogant.

• Indian fans largely backed the team, hailing the gesture as patriotic.

• Neutral voices within cricket questioned whether politics should overshadow the Asia Cup spirit.

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Bigger Picture: Beyond Cricket

This controversy underlines how India-Pakistan cricket is never just about sport. With tense political backdrops and ongoing security concerns, even a simple handshake (or lack of it) turns into a symbolic act.

India’s refusal has brought patriotism vs sportsmanship into the spotlight, and the PCB’s strong protest ensures the issue won’t fade anytime soon.

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What Next for Asia Cup 2025?

• The match referee’s role is under scrutiny for allegedly mediating handshake instructions.

• PCB may push the ACC (Asian Cricket Council) for official clarification.

• India, however, is unlikely to alter its stance, with backing from fans and national sentiment.

👉 As of now, the cricket continues — but the handshake controversy has already become one of the defining moments of Asia Cup 2025.

🏏 Asia Cup 2025 – India vs Pakistan (Dubai)

Pakistan Innings

139/8 (20 overs)

• Salman Ali Agha – 32 (28)

• Fakhar Zaman – 25 (18)

• Shadab Khan – 20* (15)

• Kuldeep Yadav – 3/24 (4)

• Arshdeep Singh – 2/27 (4)

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India Innings

142/3 (17.3 overs)

• Suryakumar Yadav (c) – 54* (37) 🏆

• Shubman Gill – 46 (31)

• Ruturaj Gaikwad – 22 (19)

• Shaheen Afridi – 2/30 (4)

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✅ Result: India won by 7 wickets (15 balls remaining)
🏆 Player of the Match: Kuldeep Yadav (3/24)

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Conclusion

The Asia Cup is meant to celebrate cricket, but the India vs Pakistan rivalry always carries heavier baggage.
Whether one calls it “unsporting” or a “powerful tribute,” this controversy proves that cricket in the subcontinent is never just about bat and ball.

One thing is certain: the ‘No Handshake Row’ will be remembered long after the Asia Cup 2025 ends.

Asia Cup blogs (BAN vs SL, PAK vs OMAN, IND vs PAK match reports).

• ICC Official Website.