India again refuse handshake with Pakistan at Asia Cup may seem tense and controversial, but understanding the background & motives helps us see why things played out this way—and what it means for cricket diplomacy moving forward.
What happened: Basic explanation
- During the Asia Cup 2025 Super Four match on September 21, 2025, India’s captain Suryakumar Yadav and the Indian team refused to shake hands with Pakistani captain Salman Ali Agha at the toss.
- This was not the first such gesture: earlier, in their Group A match, India refused the post-match handshake with Pakistan as well.
- The refusal is widely seen as connected to the political and diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan, especially following the conflict in May 2025.
- Pakistan publicly reacted with disappointment and lodged formal complaints, especially concerning the role of match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that he may have discouraged the handshake. Pakistan even asked for Pycroft to be removed from matches.
Why it matters: Deeper/advanced insights
Political & Historical Context
India and Pakistan have a long history of political strain, cross-border conflict, and diplomatic rivalry. Sporting ties often mirror these tensions. The Asia Cup 2025 is especially sensitive: it’s the first high-profile multi-team tournament involving both sides since the May 2025 military clashes.
Sportsmanship and Cricket Norms
A handshake at the toss or after the match is a simple but important tradition in cricket: a symbol of mutual respect, sportsmanship, and “the spirit of the game.” Refusing to shake hands is more than symbolic—it’s seen by many as breaking with long-held etiquette.
Impacts & Reactions
- Pakistan’s Disapproval: The Pakistani cricket board, its chair Mohsin Naqvi, and coach Mike Hesson openly criticized India’s behaviour.
- Media & Fans: These incidents fuel social media debates—not only about cricketing results, but about whether politics should interfere with sport. Some fans believe sport should be a bridge, while others argue gestures reflect moral alignment.
- ICC & Match Referee Scrutiny: PCB demanded removal of match referee Pycroft; ICC reviewed the matter. Some delays in matches occurred due to Pakistan’s protests.
Step-by-step: How things escalated
| Stage | Event | Key Details |
| Group Stage Match (India vs Pakistan) | India wins by 7 wickets. | Post-match, Indian team refused handshake; captain dedicated win to armed forces. |
| Pakistan lodges protest. | PCB demanded clarity; disappointment expressed publicly. | |
| Inter-match Reactions | Match referee Andy Pycroft asked by Pakistan to be removed; ICC investigates. | Some delay in Pakistan’s next match vs UAE. |
| Super Four Match (Toss, Sept 21, 2025) | Suryakumar Yadav again avoids handshake with Salman Ali Agha during toss. | Continuation of “no-handshake policy.” India elects to field. |
Perspectives: What each side says
- India’s Position: The Indian team has indicated that the decision aligns with broader national sentiments and directives from the board/government. They view the move as showing solidarity, especially given recent events involving civilians and conflicts.
- Pakistan’s Position: They consider the refusal a breach of sportsmanship. The board, players, and fans see it as disappointing. They believe cricket should transcend politics—though many in Pakistan feel hurt and disrespected.
What this means: Implications for cricket & diplomacy
- Cricket Diplomacy is Under Strain
India-Pakistan games are always more than just sports—they are political, emotional, and symbolic.
- Referee & Governance Role Scrutinized
The role of match referees and international cricket bodies (like ICC) in enforcing or facilitating sportsmanship will be under more scrutiny.
- Fan Perceptions & Media Impact
Moments like this galvanize reactions on social media, in news coverage, and among fans.
- Precedents for Future Tournaments
If such refusals become normalized, will handshakes at tosses or after matches no longer be automatic? What happens if other teams follow suit?
Common Questions
What is the Asia Cup?
The Asia Cup is a regional cricket tournament featuring countries from Asia such as India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. In 2025, the tournament format involves group stages followed by a Super Four and then the final.
Who is Suryakumar Yadav?
He is the captain of the Indian T20 cricket side in Asia Cup 2025. He led India in matches vs Pakistan during both Group A and Super Four stages.
Why did India refuse handshake with Pakistan?
Main reasons include:
- Political tensions after recent conflicts.
- National directives / solidarity with government positions.
- Desire to send a message reflecting off-field realities.
What has Pakistan’s reaction been?
- Formal complaints lodged with the ICC.
- Public disappointment, claiming breach of cricket’s sportsmanship.
- Match delays in protest against referee involvement.
Could this affect future India-Pakistan cricket matches?
Yes. Depending on how the boards, players, and authorities respond, this could:
- Set new norms (e.g. formal avoidance of handshakes).
- Affect relations in multi-nation tournaments.
- Bring in stricter guidelines from ICC or ACC on “Spirit of Cricket” protocols.
FAQs
Q: Is refusing handshake a violation of ICC rules?
A: There is no direct ICC law that mandates handshakes, but refusing them can be seen as going against the “Spirit of Cricket”.
Q: Did India officially confirm players were instructed not to shake hands?
A: India has indicated alignment with national sentiment, but it is unclear whether there was a formal instruction specifically about handshakes.
Q: What role did the match referee play in the controversy?
A: Pakistan alleged referee Andy Pycroft discouraged handshakes. He later apologised, calling it a “miscommunication.”
Q: Has this kind of refusal happened before in cricket?
A: Yes, political tensions in the past have sometimes spilled into cricket, leading to cold exchanges or ignored gestures. But this incident has drawn unusual global attention.
Conclusion & What Next
This “no‐handshake” incident between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 marks more than just a minor etiquette breach—it reflects deep political undercurrents influencing sports. While India frames the refusal as solidarity and alignment with national sentiment, Pakistan regards it as unsportsmanlike and contrary to cricket’s spirit.
Going forward, cricket authorities should clarify protocols:
- Should handshakes remain required or optional?
- How should referees act in tense matches?
- How can cricket balance sportsmanship with national sentiments?
If you care about cricket’s integrity and the values of fair play, now’s the time to raise your voice. Share this story, engage in thoughtful debate, and remind boards and players that sports should unite, not divide.