September 15, 2025 | Dubai, UAE: Amidst the ongoing match of India vs. Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025, India claimed victory in the match against Pakistan by seven wickets, winning seamlessly. Post-Match Presentation Ceremony and the usual handshake did not happen this time. With no handshake during the toss or when the match ended, the other team’s captain also left the presentation ceremony that followed the match, turning this game into a tense moment between both sides.
Crucial Moments of the India vs. Pakistan Face-off
A day prior, both teams competed against each other in the Dubai Stadium. Pakistan chose to bat first, scoring 127 runs for nine wickets. The two most crucial elements of their batting line-up were Sahebzada Farhan and Shaheen Shah Afridi, both scoring 40 runs and 33 runs in defence of the Indian bowling. When India’s turn came, the team scored, and they completed the score even when 25 balls were left to bowl.
When the match ended, rather than following the protocol of shaking hands with each other or clicking official group photographs, these activities did not occur. The post-match presentation ceremony did take place, but the other team’s captain was not available, and the only representative of the opponent team was the baller to secure an award for scoring the most sixes.
Incomplete Rituals: No Handshake and Ceremony Skipped
In this game, the no-handshake scene occurs only once in a blue moon, especially in highly anticipated matches like India vs. Pakistan. On this day, both the skippers faced each other for the pre-match toss but did not shake hands. After the game, the Indian team successively went to their rooms without following the formal routine.
The opponent team’s player waited for the acknowledgment to occur, but felt that the opportunity slipped from their hands. The regular post-match presentation ceremony, where both sides were awarded and their successes were highlighted, was conducted without the attendance of the Pakistan team’s captain.
The Reactions From Both Teams
From the Indian team’s perspective, the captain elaborated their view to not engage in the handshaking ceremony due to the recent events, calling the victory a decent reply and aligning with the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, BCCI, underscoring the nation’s emotions and sentiments. He also commented that this win is for the victims of the Pehlgam attacks and the soldiers of India. The opponent team’s head coach expressed dismay that his team was waiting for the handshake to occur, but the Indian team had already left the field. He pointed out that the absence of the opponent team’s captain is a result of what happened earlier.
In the extensive surroundings, the match between India vs. Pakistan remains highly anticipated for its perennial importance. The other team previously performed really well against other teams. But this comprehensive loss affects their scoreboard position. Despite this, rituals like shaking hands and ceremonies are what set cricket apart from other sports, which depict the spirit of sportsmanship.
The match that occurred between India vs. Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 led to India’s victory, but what happened on the ground meant more than scoring runs or taking wickets. The abysmal absence of shaking hands at both the pre-match toss and the end, as well as the absence of the Pakistani team’s captain at the post-match presentation ceremony, depicts how the time flies from following rituals to being absent.
For the ones watching the match at the stadium, these actions undermine how games can result in comprehensive aspects, even amidst sportsmanship. However, the game remains standing, and the players who take this further get to decide how they adapt within this ecosystem.
Read More: Ind vs Pak Asia Cup 2025: India Clinches 7 Wicket Win Against Pakistan
