The Indian cricket team has adopted a 'No Handshake Policy' during their dominant seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, a decision driven by severe public backlash over the match and the lingering pain from the Pahalgam terror attack. This firm stance, which skips traditional post-game courtesies, is set to persist in any future encounters with their arch-rivals in the tournament, including potential Super Four clashes and the final.
Captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the controversy head-on during a post-match press interaction, emphasizing the team's unified resolve. "Together, we came here, we took a call, and I feel we came here just to play the game. I think we gave the proper reply," he told PTI. When pressed by a Pakistani journalist on whether the refusal to shake hands was politically motivated, Yadav responded decisively: "I feel few things in life are ahead of sportsman's spirit also. We stand with victims of Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this victory to our Armed Forces."
Head coach Gautam Gambhir echoed this sentiment in comments to the tournament broadcaster, reinforcing the team's position. The decision stemmed from intense deliberations involving the BCCI and team management, prompted by widespread outrage from opposition parties and social media users in India. Critics lambasted the match as prioritizing financial gains over the sentiments of families affected by the April terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.
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Gambhir, known for his outspoken views on Indo-Pak cricket, has long advocated for severing sporting ties with Pakistan until terrorism ceases on Indian soil. Senior players and officials unanimously agreed to forgo handshakes throughout the game, a policy approved by BCCI higher-ups after careful consideration. This wasn't a spur-of-the-moment reaction but a deliberate choice to prioritize national solidarity over convention.
A senior BCCI official, speaking anonymously to PTI, clarified the legal aspect: "Look, if you read the rule book, there is no specification about shaking hands with the opposition. It is a goodwill gesture and a sort of convention, not law, that is followed globally across the sporting spectrum." He added, "If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team is not bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of strained relationship."
This policy extends to the entire Asia Cup, meaning no handshakes if India faces Pakistan again in the Super Four stage next Sunday or the final on September 28. The tension was evident even before the first ball, as team sheets were handed to match referee Andy Pycroft rather than exchanged between captains. Pakistan team manager Naved Cheema lodged a protest in Urdu, claiming Pycroft instructed their captain Salman Ali Agha to avoid the gesture.
Historically, such refusals aren't unprecedented in geopolitically charged sports. At the 2023 Wimbledon, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina declined to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka following her win, citing her country's invasion by Russia and Belarus. Tournament officials did not penalize the players, respecting the context. In contrast, rivals like the USA and Iran have maintained handshakes in football World Cups despite diplomatic hostilities, illustrating varied approaches to blending politics and sport.
The implications ripple beyond the men's game. As India eyes hosting major events like the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympics in Ahmedabad, plus cricket's inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, maintaining participation in multi-nation tournaments against Pakistan is crucial for favorable optics with the International Olympic Committee. However, the era of on-field bonhomie appears over, with the Indian government permitting such matches only at continental and global events while endorsing the team's current stance.
Looking ahead, it will be intriguing to observe if women's team captain Harmanpreet Kaur and her squad adopt a similar approach during their ODI World Cup match against Pakistan in Colombo next month. While criticism of playing Pakistan persists, the broader strategy balances sporting diplomacy with national pride, ensuring cricket continues but without the warmth of yesteryears.
This development has ignited global discussions on the intersection of sports, politics, and ethics, with fans and analysts debating whether such stands strengthen resolve or hinder the spirit of the game. As the Asia Cup progresses, all eyes will be on how this policy unfolds and its potential to reshape Indo-Pak cricket dynamics for years to come.
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