India-Pakistan Asia Cup Match Marred by No Handshake Controversy in Dubai

The 2025 Asia Cup cricket match between India and Pakistan in Dubai was overshadowed by a controversy as Indian players, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts both at the toss and post-match. This gesture was widely viewed as a political statement aligned with the Indian government's stance following the recent Pahalgam terror attack and ensuing cross-border conflict, which India accused Pakistan of backing. The Pakistan Cricket Board lodged an official complaint against India for unsportsmanlike conduct, with Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha also skipping the post-match ceremony in protest. Yadav dedicated India's seven-wicket victory to the Indian armed forces and expressed solidarity with the victims of the terror attack. Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif criticized India’s decision, urging that sportsmanship should be maintained on the field despite political tensions. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson expressed disappointment over the Indian team’s refusal to engage in the customary handshake, underscoring the deep impact of political hostilities on the sporting event.