Asia Cup Handshake Controversy Sparks Cricket Diplomacy Debate
Cricket fans witnessed an unusual scene during the Asia Cup 2025 match between India and Pakistan in Dubai. No handshakes were exchanged before or after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan as tensions between the two countries spilled onto the field. Both teams avoided the traditional pre-match captain handshake and post-match team greetings.
Suryakumar Yadav, the winning captain, said India had decided before the match – in alignment with the BCCI to skip the customary handshakes. This decision created controversy both on and off the field.
Administrative Confusion Creates More Drama
Pakistan Cricket Board officials raised concerns about match protocols. PCB alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft played a role, claiming he instructed changes to the handshake protocol. However, cricket authorities have disputed these claims.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was ready to pull out of the tournament if the ICC didn’t remove match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of not allowing the handshake between the two captains. Eventually, the ICC has rejected their appeal, and the PCB has changed its stance on the boycott of the remaining games.
Sports Community Reacts
Cricket personalities expressed mixed reactions to the incident. Cricketers, politicians express disappointment at India’s conduct, while others defended the decision based on existing political tensions.
BCCI clarifies that post-match handshakes are a tradition, not a rule. There’s no obligation for teams to shake hands, especially amid tense relations. Cricket officials emphasized that teams can make their own decisions about such protocols.
Bigger Picture Impact
The no-handshake incident may influence diplomatic and cricketing relations between the two nations. For players, it adds pressure to separate political tensions from sporting commitments.
Some cricket experts worry about setting precedents for future matches. Gavaskar brands Pakistan a “Popatwadi team” and Ganguly says the rivalry is “no contest anymore” after India’s dominant Asia Cup win, though these comments focused more on cricket performance than diplomatic protocol.
Tournament Continues Despite Controversy
Despite initial threats of withdrawal, both teams remain committed to completing the tournament. Pakistan will remain part of the competition to avoid ICC sanctions.
Cricket fans hope future matches will focus more on sporting excellence than political tensions. International cricket has historically served as a bridge between nations, though recent events show how quickly sports can reflect broader diplomatic challenges.
