The ongoing political tensions between India and Pakistan spilled over onto the cricket field, leading to a controversial end to their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai. Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his team deliberately chose not to shake hands with the Pakistani players after the match as a form of protest.
Sunday’s Group A fixture had gone ahead only after extensive discussions and clearance from the Indian government, with many fans and experts hoping the contest might ease tensions between the two nations.
However, Yadav dismissed such expectations, stating that India’s dominant seven-wicket win in the T20 encounter served as a “perfect reply” to Pakistan following the recent four-day cross-border conflict that had pushed both nations to the brink of war in May.
“Our [Indian] government and the BCCI [Board of Control for Cricket in India] were aligned on the decision to play this match. We came here just to play the match and gave them [Pakistan] a perfect reply,” Yadav told the media shortly after the match.
What took place after the India vs Pakistan match ended?
Yadav, who struck the winning runs for India, left the field with his batting partner Shivam Dube without heading towards the Pakistani captain or players for the customary post-match handshakes. Meanwhile, the Pakistan team gathered together and waited for the Indian players and support staff to come forward, as is tradition after cricket matches.
However, the Indian side only exchanged handshakes among themselves before heading straight into their dressing room and closing the door, while the Pakistani players looked on.
No handshakes between the teams. Salman Agha looked to lead Pakistan over to the India dressing room, but nothing doing. They all headed straight in #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/0BbJtYdkAf
— Paul Radley (@PaulRadley) September 14, 2025
Why Did Team India Refuse To Shake Hands with Pakistan?
The Indian captain was questioned about his team’s actions and whether they went against the spirit of the game.
“A few things in life are above sportsman’s spirit,” the 35-year-old swiftly responded.
“We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and with their families, and dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor.”
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