The fallout from the India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai has now extended beyond the field. After India’s seven-wicket win, the customary post-match handshakes were skipped by the Indian players, who walked straight off the ground following a collective decision backed by the BCCI.
PCB’s protest against India
In response, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided not to send captain Salman Ali Agha for the post-match presentation ceremony. The board issued a statement describing India’s actions as “unsporting and against the spirit of the game.”
Pakistan officials claimed their players waited on the field for India to join the handshake, but with the dressing room doors shut, the gesture was refused. As a mark of protest, Salman did not appear for the post-match presentation or media duties.
Handshake row overshadows the game
While India dedicated the win to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, Pakistan’s camp voiced disappointment at how the evening ended. The absence of Salman Ali Agha from the presentation became a symbolic act, turning the spotlight from the match result to the growing diplomatic and sporting tension between the two nations.
