New Delhi | India’s cricket team is expected to uphold its position in the forthcoming matches against Pakistan following the recent T20 Asia Cup clash in Dubai. After leading India to a seven-wicket victory, captain Surya Kumar Yadav chose not to shake hands with Pakistan players, walking directly to the dressing room instead.
The decision came after India lost the toss and did not share the team sheet with Pakistan captain Salman Aga, continuing a precedent that has drawn criticism from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The PCB lodged a formal complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) and the International Cricket Council (ICC) over the handshake incident.
Responding, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) clarified that there is no law or rule requiring players to shake hands after a match, emphasizing that it is merely a tradition and gesture of sportsmanship. A senior BCCI official said, “India’s action was completely justified. Handshakes are a courtesy, not a legal obligation. In situations of political tension, choosing not to shake hands does not violate any rules.”
India has already secured a spot in the Super 4 stage of the Asia Cup after winning both group matches, including the victory over Pakistan. Yadav indicated that India will maintain this stance if they meet Pakistan again, either on September 21 in the Super 4 or September 28 in the final. “Not shaking hands was not against sportsmanship; it was a gesture of solidarity with the families of the 26 innocent victims of the Pulwama terrorist attack. Some things are above sportsmanship,” Yadav said. India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir supported the captain’s decision.
The PCB also demanded the immediate removal of match referee Andy Pycroft, accusing him of violating the ICC Code of Conduct and MCC’s spirit-of-cricket guidelines. However, the BCCI remained firm, stating that the referee’s conduct and the handshake issue did not affect India’s position or actions.
In response to the controversy, the PCB’s international cricket director Usman Wahla was removed from his position for delays in formally responding to the incident.
The episode underscores the intersection of sports and politics between India and Pakistan. While handshakes are customary, the BCCI maintains that India’s approach was reasonable, respectful, and aligned with the broader context of the teams’ relationship.
India is now expected to continue its stance in any upcoming encounters with Pakistan in the T20 Asia Cup, keeping focus on both competitive performance and principled conduct.
