The tension between India and Pakistan has reached a boiling point after their latest Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai on September 14. The handshake controversy began at the toss, where Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with the Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha or have any talk, and he did the same after the match as well.
As soon as the winning runs were scored, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked straight into the Indian dressing room without exchanging pleasantries with the Pakistani players.
Shockingly, a member of the support staff quickly shut the door to avoid any interaction with the Pakistani players after winning the Asia Cup 2025 match by seven wickets in Dubai.
India-Pakistan tension hits a new level after handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025
This incident didn’t sit well with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), and they immediately took the issue to the International Cricket Council (ICC) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC).
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The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of ignoring the ICC’s Code of Conduct and the Spirit of Cricket guidelines that encourage respect and fair play on the field.
The handshake controversy escalated further when former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez blasted the Indian side. Hafeez claimed the entire event was pre-planned and slammed the Indian team for bringing politics and emotions into the game.
It was planned: Mohammad Hafeez slams India’s act
Mohammad Hafeez said during a live TV show, “It was planned. They had this thought in their heart that if we win this match, we will do all this. And if anyone does the same things and brings politics onto the field, then you will also get hurt.”
The former Pakistan all-rounder also argued that the International Cricket Council (ICC) might not take action because the Men in Blue hold significant influence in global cricket affairs, and the governing body is currently chaired by the former BCCI secretary Jay Shah.
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Hafeez signed off by saying, “I don’t think the ICC will say anything. Because India doesn’t care. Because they are controlling a major part. Their people, their management—they manage everything.”
Why is Handshake Cricket’s most important ritual?
Handshakes in cricket are a very important part of the game’s tradition and spirit, and a long-standing tradition for the players from both teams.
After a match ends, players from both teams, along with the umpires, shake hands as a way to show respect, sportsmanship, and encouragement before leaving the field, giving everyone a chance to congratulate each other or offer encouragement, no matter who won or lost.
The handshake also happens before the game starts. Both team captains meet on the field and shake hands, usually in front of cameras and fans. This formal greeting is arranged by the match referee and marks the official start of the game, and captains can also have some professional talk.
It is also part of the protocol for the match referee to meet with captains, head coaches, or team managers before the game to go over rules, schedules, or any concerns. These pre-match and post-match interactions are meant to keep cricket professional, friendly, and fair.