September 15, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: The absence of a customary handshake has cast a shadow over the Asia Cup 2025, particularly within the realm of cricket. India vs Pakistan matches are always loaded with symbolism, but this time the gesture of no handshake with Pakistan became the central talking point.
Following India’s victory over Pakistan by seven wickets in Dubai on September 14, the Indian players departed from the field without engaging in the traditional handshake. This omission has led to a formal protest initiated by Pakistan, which has lodged a complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Consequently, what was once regarded as a routine ritual has transformed into a subject of both sporting and political discourse in the Asia Cup 2025.
The Incident And Pakistan’s Protest In India vs Pakistan Clash
At the end of the group-stage encounter, Pakistan’s players waited for the customary handshake while the Indian team headed directly to their dressing room. The moment created confusion on the field, with Pakistani players left standing without acknowledgement from their opponents. Their captain, Salman Ali Agha, did not attend the presentation ceremony, which was seen as a symbolic response to the snub in this India vs Pakistan clash.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodged a written protest with the ACC on September 15. The complaint highlighted that avoiding a handshake went against the spirit of the game and sent a damaging message about sportsmanship. Pakistan emphasized that such gestures are part of cricket’s tradition and should be upheld regardless of political circumstances. The protest described the moment as “no handshake with Pakistan” and urged the ACC to uphold the principles of cricket.
Read More: India vs Pakistan Match Prediction: Asia Cup 2025
The issue has dominated news coverage across Pakistan, with strong reactions from former players and analysts. Many expressed concern that the incident risks lowering cricket’s global reputation and could fuel hostility between supporters of both nations. The narrative of “no handshake with Pakistan” has spread beyond sports into political commentary, cementing this India vs Pakistan match as one of the most controversial moments of the match Asia Cup 2025.
India’s Justification And Wider Context
India maintained that the decision not to shake hands reflected the broader national mood. Team members left the field directly after their win, a move understood to be consistent with instructions from their cricket board. The gesture was intended to signal the nation’s sentiment following recent events, including the May 2025 border conflict and the Pahalgam terror attack. In this sense, the “no handshake with Pakistan” was more than a sporting decision. It was framed as a national stance.
The India vs Pakistan was the first clash since that conflict. Against such a backdrop, even small gestures carried heavy symbolic weight. On Indian social media, hashtags celebrating the absence of the handshake trended throughout the night. Many fans viewed it as a deliberate and justified act.
In Pakistan, however, the reaction was starkly different. Commentators described the event as unsporting and unnecessary, while supporters questioned whether cricket’s values were being sidelined. Across global platforms, neutral voices suggested the moment reflected how fragile the sporting relationship between the two countries has become during the Asia Cup 2025.
The lack of handshake also highlighted the pressure on players, who often find themselves at the intersection of sport and politics. For India and Pakistan, matches are rarely just about cricket; they are often seen as extensions of diplomatic or military tensions.
What Lies Ahead
The ACC has yet to issue an official statement but is expected to examine Pakistan’s protest in the coming days. While disciplinary action against India is unlikely, the council may issue a reminder about sportsmanship to all participating teams. Such a step would aim to prevent further controversy in what is already a high-profile tournament.
Attention now turns to the possibility of another clash between the two sides later in the competition. If India vs Pakistan meet in the knockout stage, scrutiny will extend beyond batting and bowling to how the teams interact at the end of the match. The incident ensures that every gesture, or lack of it, will be carefully analyzed. Another “no handshake with Pakistan” scenario could escalate tensions further.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan Match Set to Fire Up Asia Cup After Conflict
