India’s emphatic win sparks reactions
India’s dominant seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup was marked not only by clinical performances on the field but also by a symbolic refusal to engage in the customary handshake. The decision has since ignited heated debate, drawing reactions from officials, former players, and voices across both nations.
BCCI vice president Rajeev Shukla was among the first to respond, writing on X, “Congratulations to team India for defeating Pakistan by seven wickets. It’s huge victory.” Former pacer Ishant Sharma also praised the win, posting, “A proud moment for every Indian! Congratulations to Team India on a remarkable victory against Pakistan. From power-packed performances to sheer teamwork, today’s match was all about passion, resilience, and glory! #INDvsPAK.”
Umesh Yadav added his voice, calling the display one of grit and determination: “What a performance! Congratulations to Team India on a memorable win against Pakistan. From fearless batting to sharp bowling, every player showed true grit and determination. #IndiaVsPakistan.”
BCCI stance on handshake controversy
The post-match snub has since become the central talking point of the tournament. According to PTI, a senior BCCI official stressed that the handshake is not compulsory in cricket, saying, “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.”
The official further justified the team’s stance: “If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team isn’t bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of a strained relationship.”
India head coach Gautam Gambhir reiterated his personal position on the matter, declaring, “No sporting ties as long as terror activities continue on Indian soil,” as quoted by News18.
Pakistan lodged its protest through team manager Naveed Akram Cheema, who alleged that match referee Andy Pycroft had “requested the captains not to shake hands at the toss.” At his press conference, head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment at the outcome, saying, “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We are disappointed the opposition did not do that. It was a disappointing way for the match to finish. We were willing to go and shake hands. It (Agha skipping the presentation) was a flow-on effect from the fact that we were keen to engage at the end of the match. That was pretty much the end of it.”
Players dedicate win, ex-cricketers question participation
India captain Suryakumar Yadav used his post-match comments to frame the victory in political terms, saying, “We stand with the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack and dedicate this win to the armed forces.”
But former India cricketer Suresh Raina suggested players were unhappy with the fixture itself. Speaking to Sports Tak, he claimed, “I know one thing for sure. If you personally ask the players, none of them wants to play the Asia Cup. In a way, they are forced because the BCCI has agreed to it. I am sad that India are playing against Pakistan, but I can also say for a fact that if Suryakumar Yadav and his players are asked about their personal opinions about playing against Pakistan, they would have said no. None of them wanted to play.”
Raina’s remarks have added another dimension to the debate, highlighting the pressure on players caught between cricket and politics.
Praise for Abhishek Sharma’s impact
Amid the controversy, India’s young opener Abhishek Sharma earned plaudits for his aggressive approach. Former cricketer Aakash Chopra, speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s YouTube channel, said, “Abhishek Sharma – Outstanding (impact) actually, because he just allows everyone else to be just take your time. You can just stroll; you will still have enough time. That’s what he did. That onslaught in the beginning did two things: one, it took away Shaheen Shah Afridi’s threat… He decided to take him down by ball one itself. So, that was the statement of intent. After that, India were so far ahead in the game by the time he got out.”
Shoaib Akhtar criticizes India’s gesture
In Pakistan, former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar described India’s decision as both disappointing and political. Speaking on the Game On Hai show on PTV Sports, he said, “It is disheartening, disappointing and I am speechless and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. Cricket match hain, isko political maat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapke liye. Hum bohut kuch bol sakte hai. Handshake kar lo. It’s a game of cricket. Show your grace. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain. Iski ye matlab toh nahi hain that you take it to the next level and go like this. Mujhse nahi hota. I will go shake hands with my enemies, it’s fine. Theek kiya Salman Ali Agha ne ki woh nahi gaya.”
Akhtar also recalled past tours to India in more turbulent times, remarking, “When Kargil happened, we went to India and played there. We won tests, One Days there. We didn’t give statements like this. There’s conflict between the countries, it’s fine. This is not the platform to show solidarity. I am not saying you don’t show solidarity. We are also standing firm with our Pakistani army.”
Shoaib Akhtar calls on the Indian team to keep politics away from the game, urging them to uphold true sportsmanship and grace on the field. 🏏✨#PAKvIND #GameOnHai #dilsecricket #ptvsports #AsiaCup2025 #suryakumaryadav pic.twitter.com/2WWoIgnaf5
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) September 15, 2025
A rivalry beyond cricket
With both teams likely to cross paths again in the Super Four stage and potentially the final, the no-handshake row has overshadowed India’s on-field dominance. Between praise for individual brilliance, political undertones, and strong reactions from both sides of the border, the Asia Cup rivalry has once again highlighted how deeply cricket reflects the tensions between India and Pakistan.
