Tension Over Handshake Snub Escalates After India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup 2025
What Happened: Match Summary & The Controversy
On 14 September 2025, during the Group A match of the Asia Cup 2025 at Dubai International Cricket Stadium, India defeated Pakistan by seven wickets. Pakistan could only manage 127/9, while Suryakumar Yadav’s unbeaten 47 and solid partnerships steered India home in 15.5 overs
What caught more attention than the scoreline, though, was the handshake snub — first at the coin toss and then post-match. Key points:
- Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha alleges match referee Andy Pycroft instructed both captains not to shake hands at the toss.
- After the victory, India’s captain did not shake hands with Pakistan players and went directly to the dressing room. Pakistan players and coach Mike Hesson waited, but no handshake from indian players and coaching staff.
- BCCI clarified that the decision was collective (players, BCCI, government) and that handshake is a goodwill gesture not a formal requirement under ICC or MCC Laws.
Reactions: PCB, ICC, Players & Public
| Party | Statement / Action | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) | Lodged complaint to ICC; demanded removal of Andy Pycroft as match referee. Also suspended their Director of International Cricket Operations over late reaction about this issue | |
| Mike Hesson (Pakistan Coach) | Expressed disappointment. Said Pakistan were willing to shake hands but Indian players had already gone inside the dressing room | |
| Mohsin Naqvi (PCB Chairman / ACC President) | Called the snub “ disappointing”; said politics shouldn’t taint the spirit of cricket. Lodged protests. | |
| BCCI (India) | Maintains handshake is not mandatory; act was aligned with government & board | |
| ICC & ACC | At least formally, ICC rejected the demand to remove Pycroft. They are investigating. ACC is involved due to its oversight of Asia Cup |
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Prior to 14 Sep | Tension already present: statements, protests, broader political climate (e.g. Pahalgam terror attack in April |
| Toss time (14 Sep) | Allegation that Pycroft asked captains not to shake hands; no formal handshake between both captains |
| Match Day | India wins; no post-match handshake; Pakistan skips presentation ceremonies |
| After match & reactions | Complaints lodged; public & media reactions; PCB demands referee removal |
Rules & Spirit: What’s Mandatory?
- The Laws of Cricket and ICC Code of Conduct do not mandatorily require handshakes pre- or post-match. They do require respect, sportsmanship.
- “Spirit of Cricket” under ICC includes respect among opponents, conduct of match officials, and upholding traditional values. Failure to show customary courtesies can be considered unsportsmanlike even if not rule-breaking. T
- Match referees and match officials are meant to enforce the Code of Conduct, but they do not typically issue rules about handshakes unless there are safety, security or other special instructions. There is ambiguity about whether Pycroft’s instruction was official and binding. PCB claims
Why This Matters?
- Symbolism & National Sentiment: The refusal was tied to recent events — especially the recent attack and subsequent political & military responses. It shows how cricket continues to be intertwined with politics for India-Pakistan
- Cricket Diplomacy & ICC Integrity: The ICC and ACC are under pressure to ensure match referees remain neutral, and controversies like this may damage perceived fairness.
- Fan Expectations & Media Attention: Fans expect traditions; media thrives on such controversies; this can influence public perception of both boards and players.
- Precedent: If this becomes a norm, what does that say about the future of India-Pakistan encounters — will handshakes, presentation ceremonies, trophy reveals etc. become politicised rituals?
clear & unclear news
Clear:
- India won by 7 wickets.
- PCB officially complained.
- Match referee Pycroft remains in his role for now. ICC will consider the issue.
Unclear:
- Whether the instruction by Pycroft (not to shake hands at toss) was formally communicated to both captains, in writing or verbally. India denies such instruction.
- Whether this policy (no handshake) will be enforced in upcoming matches.
- What sanctions or changes, if any, ICC may impose under the Spirit of Cricket clause.
Perspectives from Players & Cricketing Community
- Pakistan coach Mike Hesson said his side was ready to shake hands but that Indian players had already left the ground and went inside dressing room
- Former Pakistani players like Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Akhtar, etc, criticised the lack of sportsmanship from indian players
- From the Indian side, statements emphasised that victory was dedicated to victims of the terror attack and that team, board, government were aligned.
Impact on Asia Cup 2025: Schedule & Stakes
The India-Pakistan clash is always a marquee game. The no-handshake controversy may amplify spotlight on the remainder of the tournament.
| Upcoming Match | Implication |
|---|---|
| Pakistan vs UAE (Super Four qualification) | If Pakistan wins, they may face India again in a Super Four or Final setting. |
| India’s Remaining Matches | India looking strong; whether they maintain focus despite external pressures will be watched. |
| ICC / ACC Investigations | Depending on how they rule, future matches may see more formalised protocols around handshake, presentations, etc. |
FAQs
Is shaking hands after toss or match required by ICC or cricket laws?
No. While handshake is a traditional gesture reflecting sportsmanship, neither the MCC Laws of Cricket nor ICC Code of Conduct legally mandate it
What does the Spirit of Cricket cover?
It includes respect for umpires, opponents, traditional values, and behaviour on and off the field. Unsportsmanlike conduct can be penalised under the ICC Code
Who is Andy Pycroft?
He’s the match referee for the India vs Pakistan match. Zimbabwean former cricketer, part of the ICC panel of referees. PCB has demanded his removal over alleged instructions to avoid handshake
What is PCB demanding exactly?
Removal of match referee Andy Pycroft; formal investigation into alleged violations of the Spirit of Cricket and ICC Code.
Conclusion
The Asia Cup 2025 will be remembered not just for the cricketing performances, but also for how politics, symbolism and tradition intermingled in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries. Whether or not formal rules require handshakes, the public’s expectation of sportsmanship remains high — and cricket boards must balance emotional and nationalistic sentiments with fairness, tradition, and the reputation of the sport. The ICC and ACC now have a chance to set clearer precedents: what counts as acceptable conduct and what doesn’t, especially when players, governments, and fans are watching.
So, who’s in the right? Was India’s refusal justified as a symbolic gesture, or did they cross a line in sportsmanship? Comment below to share your view on www.usmanoncricket.com
Sources: ( Reuters, DAWN, The Hindustan Times )
