Mohsin Naqvi Responds to India Cricket No-Handshake Policy
PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi responds to India's no-handshake policy with Pakistan cricket teams.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi has offered a firm response to India’s continued “no-handshake” policy during cricket matches between the two nations. Since the Asia Cup in September, Indian men’s and women’s teams have refrained from shaking hands with Pakistani players, a move seen as a symbolic protest following the Pahalgam terror attack. The policy was most recently observed during the U19 Asia Cup earlier this month.
Speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi—who also serves as Pakistan’s Interior Minister—made it clear that Pakistan has no intention of forcing symbolic gestures on the Indian team. He emphasized that the PCB respects India’s choice and is equally prepared to move forward without traditional displays of sportsmanship if that remains India’s position.
Naqvi reiterated Pakistan’s long-standing stance that sports and politics should remain separate. He revealed that Pakistan’s Prime Minister had personally advised him not to let political tensions interfere with cricketing relations. According to Naqvi, Pakistan has consistently supported keeping cricket free from political influence, despite recent developments.
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Taking a firm tone, Naqvi stated that Pakistan would operate strictly on equal terms with India. He warned that Pakistan would not accept a one-sided situation where India dictates the terms of engagement. If India chooses not to shake hands, Pakistan has no interest in pursuing the gesture either, he said.
Tensions between the two countries have escalated significantly following the Pahalgam terror attack, in which 26 Indian tourists were killed. India has blamed Pakistan-backed militant groups for the attack, further straining diplomatic and sporting ties between the neighbors.
In response to the attack, India launched a military operation named ‘Operation Sindoor,’ targeting terror infrastructure across the border. Against this backdrop, cricket—often seen as a bridge between the two nations—continues to reflect the broader geopolitical strain, with symbolic gestures now carrying heavy political weight.
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