Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has ignited a fresh storm after criticising the Indian team for refusing to shake hands with Pakistan players following their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, which India won by seven wickets.
Speaking on a Pakistani news channel, Akhtar claimed India should have shown “grace” by sticking to the cricketing convention, despite the political backdrop. “Don’t make it political. It is a cricket match. Do the handshakes (with the Pakistan team). It’s a game of cricket, show your grace. It’s okay, fights keep happening, things get heated up. But it doesn’t mean you take it to the next level and not shake hands,” Akhtar said.
The former cricketer even appeared to downplay the Pahalgam terror attack, suggesting that tensions between countries should not spill over into cricket. His remarks, however, have drawn sharp criticism online, with many accusing him of ignoring the gravity of the situation.
The handshake row has overshadowed India’s dominant win, in which Suryakumar Yadav’s men chased down 128 inside 16 overs. Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha was left fuming after the snub, with coach Mike Hesson later confirming that Pakistan waited on the field but India chose to head straight to the dressing room.
Akhtar sided with his countrymen, saying Agha was right to boycott the post-match press conference after being denied a handshake.
What should have been remembered as a cricketing contest has now turned into a diplomatic flashpoint, with reactions from ex-cricketers like Akhtar adding more fuel to the fire.
