The decision, seen as a political statement, came amid the tense backdrop of an India-Pakistan standoff earlier this year, which nearly escalated into a full-blown conflict.
Politics Overshadows Cricket
Sunday’s Group A fixture was already under scrutiny after weeks of government-level discussions in India about whether the team should participate. Fans had hoped cricket might soften tensions, but Yadav’s post-match remarks quickly dashed those expectations.
Calling the victory a “perfect reply,” the Indian captain dedicated the win to victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the country’s armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor, a series of missile strikes carried out in May.
The Missing Handshake
Traditionally, players exchange handshakes at the end of matches. However, Yadav and partner Shivam Dube walked straight off the field after hitting the winning runs. Pakistan’s squad, expecting the ritual, waited on the boundary line, only to see the Indians head into their dressing room without acknowledgment.
When asked if this contradicted cricket’s spirit, Yadav replied firmly:
> “Some things in life go beyond sportsmanship. This win is for our soldiers and the victims’ families.”
Match Referee’s Role
Reports later revealed that match referee Andy Pycroft had instructed both captains to skip the pre-match handshake at the toss. However, Pakistan’s team claimed they were not informed about the decision regarding the post-match routine.
An unnamed PCB official told reporters that the Indian team had been granted permission to avoid the handshakes, leaving Pakistan’s players visibly frustrated.
Pakistan’s Reaction
Pakistan manager Naveed Akram Cheema lodged a formal protest, while skipper Salman Agha refused to take part in the post-match broadcast interview. Head coach Mike Hesson said his players had been ready to follow tradition but were left stunned when India withdrew.
> “We went over to shake hands, but by then, the Indian players had already shut their dressing room door,” Hesson remarked.
Importance of the Handshake Tradition
In cricket, handshakes are more than symbolic — they represent respect and closure between two sides. Captains typically shake hands at the toss, and players do so after the match concludes. The Asia Cup incident has reignited debate about whether politics should be allowed to influence sporting gestures.
Official Response
Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi, who also heads the PCB, criticized India’s actions, calling them “utterly disappointing” and against the “spirit of sports.”
The ACC has yet to issue a formal statement on the revelation that both captains were told to avoid the toss handshake.
What’s Next?
India, with two wins in two matches, is nearly through to the Super Four stage, while Pakistan must defeat the UAE to stay alive. If both teams advance, another highly charged India vs Pakistan Asia Cup showdown is expected next Sunday in Dubai.
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