Controversy has erupted over the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday. Unprecedented incidents occurred when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and other Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the game.
In cricket, it is customary for opponents to shake hands, therefore not doing so makes a big impression. Following the Pahalgam terror attack in April in India’s Jammu & Kashmir, and the ensuing military escalation with Pakistan, there were multiple calls for a boycott in the lead-up to the game.
The ‘handshake boycott’ by the Indian cricket team was obviously intended to make a strong statement about the events that transpired in Kashmir a few months ago.
“We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and stand with the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” Yadav said after the match.
The opposite side was also affected by the incident. Salman Ali Agha, the captain of Pakistan cricket team, did not attend the post-match presentation ceremony, and their coach, Mike Hesson, acknowledged that the bitterness had gotten out of hand.
“We wanted to shake hands but were disappointed that the opposition didn’t do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands. Salman not coming for the post-match presentation was cause and effect after what happened,” Hesson said.
A video of an Indian cricketer shutting the dressing room doors while Pakistani players were still waiting on the field has now gone viral.
With an all-around performance that left Pakistan speechless, India easily won by seven wickets, maintaining their lead in Group A of the ongoing Asia Cup 2025.
Saim Ayub shocked the world champions in the powerplay, but India managed to chase down the target with almost four overs remaining. As India chased down a 128-run goal in just 15.5 overs, the captain of the Indian cricket team led the way with an undefeated 47 off 37 balls.
“Great feeling and a perfect return gift to India. Human tendency that keeps running in your mind when you think about it (his earlier line about the win being a return gift). You definitely want to win it, and when you win it, you have it ready. One box that I always wanted to tick — stay there and bat till the end. For the whole team, we think it’s just another game. We prepare the same for all the opposition. That’s what happened a few months back. The team that won the CT set the tone. I’m always a fan of spinners because they control the game in the middle.”
“A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit,” said Yadav. “Just wanted to say something. Perfect occasion, taking the time out — we stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We express our solidarity. Want to dedicate the win to all our armed forces who showed a lot of bravery. Hope they continue to inspire us all, and we give them more reasons on the ground whenever we get an opportunity to make them smile,” he added.
The match took place in a highly charged political environment, and when neither captain shook hands during the pre-match toss, attention quickly turned to the exchanges between the sides.
However, Al Jazeera has learnt that Andy Pycroft, the match referee, requested Yadav and Agha forego the pre-toss ritual.
Because of this, the game took place in a highly charged political environment, and when neither captain shook hands during the pre-match toss, attention quickly turned to the exchanges between the sides.
After the match, a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official, on condition of anonymity said, “The match referee requested both captains to not shake hands at the toss.”
The source claimed that although match officials allowed India to bypass the handshakes with Pakistan after the match, they failed to notify Agha or his squad about it.
This led to an embarrassing post-match incident where the Pakistani players saw the Indians close the dressing room door after following Yadav off the pitch and waiting for them to come out.
Pakistan’s manager, Naveed Akram Cheema complained against the actions of the Indian cricket team with Pycroft, a match referee recognised by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president Mohsin Naqvi, who also serves as PCB chairman, bemoaned the action.
“Utterly disappointing to witness 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,” he wrote slamming the Men in Blue.
Al Jazeera has requested the ACC for a comment regarding the disclosure that both captains were instructed not to shake hands at the toss. The request has not yet received a response.
If both India and Pakistan make it to the Super Four stage, they are likely to play each other again in the Asia Cup.
After two victories in two games, India has almost qualified, and on Wednesday, Pakistan plays the UAE in a match that is a must-win for them.
Both teams will play in the Super Fours in Dubai on Sunday if they win their respective games.