India vs Pakistan always brings fireworks on the field, but this time the drama continued after the match ended. At the Dubai International Stadium, India defeated arch-rivals Pakistan by 29 runs to take control of Group A in the Asia Cup 2025. Yet, the cricketing contest was overshadowed by an unusual scene: no handshakes between the two sides.
India Win the Clash, But Spirit of Cricket Questioned
India, powered by their spinners and a composed finish with the bat, registered a convincing victory. Fans were expecting the usual post-match courtesies, but to everyone’s surprise, players from both sides walked past each other without shaking hands.
For an India–Pakistan clash, tension is always in the air, but this gesture — or rather the lack of it — has now become the talking point across cricketing circles.
SKY Confirms: “It Was a BCCI & Government-Aligned Decision”
When asked about the move in the press conference, Suryakumar Yadav (India’s stand-in skipper for the tournament) confirmed the no-handshake call was deliberate.
“This was not a spontaneous decision. It was aligned with the BCCI and the Indian government. We wanted to show solidarity with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. Cricket is important, but there are moments when you need to stand for something larger,” SKY told reporters.
His words immediately gave the story a deeper context. The Pahalgam attack, which shook the region just weeks before the tournament, has cast a shadow over Indo-Pak sporting ties yet again.
Pakistan’s Strong Reaction – Agha Skips Presentation, PCB Lodges Protest
The reaction from the Pakistan camp was just as dramatic. Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan’s skipper, did not attend the post-match presentation — a rare sight in international cricket. Team manager Subhan Ahmed had to step in to represent Pakistan.
Later, reports confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officially lodged a protest with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), expressing disappointment over India’s refusal to engage in post-match formalities.
Coach Hesson Disappointed: “Spirit of Cricket Was Hurt”
Pakistan’s head coach, Mike Hesson, also did not mince words.
“We understand the emotions, but refusing handshakes hits at the spirit of cricket. The rivalry is fierce, but respect between teams must always remain,” he said after the game.
His statement reflected the frustration in the Pakistan camp, who not only lost the match but also felt humiliated by the gesture.
The Bigger Picture – Rivalry Beyond Cricket
India–Pakistan matches are never just about runs and wickets. This one proved that again. The backdrop of a terror attack, the political undertones, and the gesture of skipping handshakes have all combined to make this clash one of the most controversial in Asia Cup history.
While India celebrated a big win on the field, the off-field narrative is what fans, media, and officials will be discussing for weeks.
