Last Updated on 7 months ago by Charbel Coorey
India refused to shake hands with Pakistan before and after their seven-wicket win in their Asia Cup clash in Dubai.
The meeting between the two nations was the first since the Pahalgam terror attack in April. Fans, victims, and politicians had called for a boycott and questioned why the match even went ahead. Team India’s response was to not shake hands after agreeing with the government and BCCI.
“Our government and BCCI – we were aligned today,” Suryakumar said at his post-match press conference, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo. “Rest, we took a call [about not shaking hands]. We came here to just play the game. We have given a proper reply.”
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, stating his team were ready to shake hands. Captain Salman Agha then did not make an appearance for the post-match interview.
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, we obviously are disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We sort of went over there to shake hands and they’d already gone into the changing room,” Hesson said.
“That was a disappointing way for the match to finish, and a match we were disappointed for the way we played, but we were certainly willing to shake hands.”
Reactions: India refuse to shake hands with Pakistan players before and after Asia Cup win
“This win is dedicated to the armed forces of India and the victims of the Pahalgam attack. Jai Hind,” wrote Suryakumar Yadav on X following the victory.
Predictably, the decision not to shake hands has led to mixed reactions. Some were in support of the move, while others lamented the lack of sportsmanship.
View: India were wrong to refuse handshakes
PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi led the chorus of discontent around India’s decision. He believes politics should not be mixed with sports.
“Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today,” he wrote on X. “Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Lets hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”
Former Pakistan player Rashid Latif also spoke out in disappointment. “Yes you are India cricket, yes you are the best team in the world… but not to shake hands at the end of the game… shows your real colours!!! Pakistan players were waiting but Indian players went inside dressing room!! Where is ICC,” he wrote on X.
View: India did the right thing
Others were in support of India’s decision. Fans and pundits referred to social media posts and reactions published by Pakistani players soon after the attack, including from Faheem Ashraf and Abrar Ahmed.
In the match itself, India were far too good. Their well-rounded attack restricted Pakistan to 97/8 in the 18th over, with Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 16-ball 33* the only bright spot for Salman Agha’s team.
In response, Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) provided a rapid start in the powerplay. From there, Suryakumar Yadav led the way expertly to guide his team home by seven wickets and 25 deliveries to spare.
India are now through to the Super Four stage. Pakistan will confirm their passage to the next round if they beat the UAE on Wednesday.
