A match in the Asia Cup 2025 created a sudden stir in the cricket world that reverberated far beyond the playing field. After a stunning seven-wicket win over Pakistan, India's team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, walked straight off the field and refused the traditional handshake. The entire stadium was stunned at that moment as the Pakistani players waited, but the Indian team clearly showed that their decision was deliberate.
Why did India abandon the handshake?
India's players and the BCCI later clarified that the decision was not just about sportsmanship, but a response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack. That attack killed 26 Indian tourists, and the entire country was in deep mourning. The team dedicated its victory to the armed forces, saying that some things are bigger than sportsmanship. At such a time, shaking hands would have been a mere formality, which would have ignored the suffering of the martyrs and the victims’ families.
By taking this step, the Indian players sent a message that words cannot easily capture. It was a peaceful yet powerful protest because it clearly reflected that it is no longer possible to play by ignoring terrorism. This decision reminded people that sports are not a closed world separate from reality, but are a mirror of the same society in which violence and tragedy occur.
Pakistan's anger and increasing tension:
On the other hand, PCB sent formal complaints to ACC and ICC, calling it "against the spirit of sportsmanship". They argued that refusing to shake hands struck at the spirit of cricket. However, the Indian board responded directly to this argument and reminded that the ICC Code of Conduct advises teams to greet the opponent, but it is not mandatory. Therefore, India was not violating any rule.
This entire controversy further complicated the relations between the two countries. The two teams have not played a bilateral series for the last decade, and political tension has constantly affected cricket. India's decision became a new chapter in that same tension, in which sports and politics could not stay apart from each other.
On the other hand, former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar reacted to the issue. He said, "I'm speechless. It is disheartening to see, and I don't know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don't make things political. Cricket match hain isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye. Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain. Forget it, move on. It is the game of cricket, shake your hands, show your grace."
His words made it clear that a large section in Pakistan wants the game kept away from politics, but the message that India gave was much deeper. It was not just a celebration of victory, but a remembrance of the innocent people who lost their lives. The Indian players' stance may seem harsh, but it was the clearest way for them to prioritise the nation’s dignity and grief.
