The high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 is once again making headlines — not just for cricket, but for the ongoing handshake controversy that refuses to die down.
After India’s emphatic win in their earlier Group A encounter, captain Suryakumar Yadav explained why his team did not shake hands with Pakistani players at the end of the match. “We gave a proper reply by not shaking hands,” Suryakumar said, linking the gesture to solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and the ongoing Operation Sindoor, adding that “some things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit.”
On the other side, Pakistan coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment, revealing that his players were ready to shake hands but were ignored. The incident also stretched to the toss, where there was no handshake between captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha.
The controversy escalated further when reports emerged that Pakistan had demanded the removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging he barred captains from the customary pre-match handshake. The ICC stood firm, refusing to bow to PCB’s demands, stressing that changing officials under pressure would set a “dangerous precedent.” While the PCB later claimed Pycroft apologised, ICC sources termed it merely a clarification over “miscommunication.”
Despite the off-field tension, both teams have qualified from Group A, setting up another showdown in the Super Four stage on September 21 at 8 PM IST in Dubai. With emotions already running high, the focus will not just be on the cricket but also on whether the handshake row resurfaces when the two arch-rivals walk out again.
