PCB, ACC Chief Criticises India’s Handshake Snub After Asia Cup Clash in Dubai

Dubai, September 15 — Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and Asian Cricket Council (ACC) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has strongly criticised India’s conduct following their Asia Cup 2025 Group A victory over Pakistan, calling the refusal to shake hands a breach of sportsmanship.

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, captained by Suryakumar Yadav, defeated Pakistan by seven wickets, chasing down a 128-run target in just 15.5 overs after restricting their rivals to 127/9. However, controversy overshadowed the emphatic win. At the toss, Suryakumar declined to shake hands with his Pakistani counterpart Salman Ali Agha. The tension escalated post-match when Indian players did not return to the field for the customary handshakes, despite Pakistan’s squad waiting outside their dressing room.

Addressing the issue at the post-match press conference, Suryakumar defended 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, with their families, and with our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. We dedicate this win to them,” he said. The gesture was widely seen as a symbolic protest and a show of solidarity with victims of the attack, which killed 26 tourists in Pahalgam earlier this year and was attributed to Pakistan-based militants.

The Indian captain’s remarks, however, also drew criticism online, with social media users pointing to his earlier handshake with Salman Agha and Naqvi during the pre-tournament trophy launch in Dubai.

On the field, India delivered a dominant performance. Kuldeep Yadav dismantled Pakistan’s batting with his left-arm wrist spin, finishing with a match-winning spell that earned him the Player of the Match award. Suryakumar anchored the chase with a composed 47 not out off 37 balls.

Pakistan’s reaction was equally charged. Captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation, further fuelling speculation about the team’s frustration over both the loss and the diplomatic undertones of the incident.

Public sentiment in India had been divided in the lead-up to the fixture, with calls for a boycott in response to the Pahalgam attack. Ultimately, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to participate, reportedly after consultations with government and security agencies.