Shoaib Akhtar Criticises India’s Refusal to Shake Hands After Asia Cup Clash

Dubai, September 14 — Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised India’s refusal to engage in the customary post-match handshake following their Asia Cup 2025 Group A encounter in Dubai, urging players to keep politics out of cricket.

India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, secured a resounding victory over arch-rivals Pakistan, restricting them to 127/9 in 20 overs before chasing the target in just 15.5 overs with seven wickets in hand. While the performance on the field was emphatic, the post-match scene drew equal attention. Pakistani players were seen waiting for the traditional handshake, but no Indian cricketer returned to the field. Footage later circulated showing India’s dressing room doors being shut.

Akhtar, speaking on a Pakistani television show after the match, expressed his disappointment. “I’m speechless. It is disheartening to see and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. But just don’t make things political. Fights happen even inside your house — forget it and move on. It’s the game of cricket; shake hands, show your grace,” he said.

The former pacer also defended Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha, who skipped the post-match presentation ceremony. “Salman Ali Agha did the right thing by not attending the post-match. Good on him,” Akhtar remarked.

Sunday’s match was the first India–Pakistan fixture since heightened geopolitical tensions earlier this year, following the Pahalgam terror attack. In the lead-up, sections of the Indian public had called for a boycott of the fixture, but tournament rules made withdrawal impractical. While the contest went ahead, the Indian team’s refusal to shake hands appeared to reflect broader national sentiment.