India’s No-Handshake Call With Pakistan Backed By Referee, PCB Protests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally protested India's refusal to exchange post-match handshakes following their seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 Group A match on Sunday, labelling the action "unsportsmanlike" and contrary to the spirit of cricket. The controversy, which began at the toss where captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha skipped the customary greeting, escalated after the game when Indian players headed straight to their dressing room, shutting the door on approaching Pakistani counterparts. Match referee Andy Pycroft had informed both captains beforehand to avoid handshakes at the toss, but Pakistan claims they were not notified about the post-match protocol, leading to an awkward standoff.

In a statement, the PCB revealed that team manager Naveed Akram Cheema registered the complaint against Pycroft's handling of the situation, asserting that the referee's instructions at the toss extended unfairly. "The match referee, Andy Pycroft, had asked captain Salman Ali Agha, at the time of the toss, not to shake hands with his Indian counterpart," the PCB said, adding that Agha's subsequent absence from the post-match presentation—where an Indian hosted the ceremony—was a deliberate protest. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson earlier expressed disappointment, noting his team's readiness for the gesture despite their on-field loss. ACC Chairman and PCB Chief Mohsin Naqvi decried the incident on X, calling it a drag of politics into sports and urging grace in future encounters.

India's stance stems from heightened bilateral tensions following the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and prompted Operation Sindoor airstrikes on alleged terror sites in Pakistan, culminating in a brief military standoff. Yadav dedicated the win to the victims and armed forces during the presentation, stating, "Some things in life are ahead of sportsmanship," while reports suggest coach Gautam Gambhir influenced the symbolic boycott. The Indian government had cleared participation in the multilateral event but endorsed limited engagements, aligning with the team's actions.

Also Read: India Players Decline Handshake With Pakistan After Asia Cup 2025 Clash

The episode has ignited global debate on blending geopolitics with cricket, with former Pakistani bowler Shoaib Akhtar voicing heartbreak over the snub. As India advances with two wins, a potential Super Four rematch looms in a week, where officials may address protocols to prevent further discord. The Asian Cricket Council has yet to respond officially, but the protest underscores the fragility of India-Pakistan rivalries beyond the boundary.

Also Read: India Players Decline Handshake With Pakistan After Asia Cup 2025 Clash