Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Mohsin Naqvi has publicly criticised the Indian cricket team’s decision to avoid handshakes with their Pakistani counterparts before and after their Asia Cup 2025 Group A clash in Dubai.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Naqvi wrote:
“Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”
India, led by stand-in skipper Suryakumar Yadav, dominated the match, bowling Pakistan out for 127/9 before chasing the target in just 15.5 overs with seven wickets in hand. Despite the clinical performance, the focus shifted to the team’s refusal to participate in customary gestures of sportsmanship.
India’s Stance: Solidarity Over Sportsmanship
At the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav addressed the decision:
“I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. We dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor.”
The symbolic gesture was seen as a mark of protest following the Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed 26 lives and has been linked to Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
While several Indian fans and public figures praised the move as a powerful statement of solidarity, critics — including Naqvi — argued that politics should not enter cricket. Social media was divided, with some recalling Suryakumar’s handshake with Salman Ali Agha and Naqvi at the pre-tournament trophy launch event.
On Pakistan’s side, captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony, adding to the tension between the two camps.
India’s performance remained clinical despite the emotional backdrop. Kuldeep Yadav starred with the ball, taking crucial wickets to dismantle Pakistan’s batting line-up, and was named Player of the Match. Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten on 47 from 37 balls to finish the chase.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) had earlier decided to proceed with the match after consultations with government and security agencies, despite calls from sections of the public to boycott the game altogether.
