ACC chief criticizes India over no-handshake controversy in Asia Cup 2025

The much-anticipated Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium ended in a one-sided affair, with India dominating both with the bat and the ball to secure a convincing victory.

However, the post-match scenes drew even more attention than the result itself. In a rare gesture, the Indian players chose not to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts. The act was seen as a symbolic tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, where several innocent lives were lost earlier this year.

The move sparked mixed reactions, with emotions running high across both nations. Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, voiced his disappointment at the incident, highlighting the sensitivity of sportsmanship on such occasions. While India’s gesture was intended as a mark of respect, it also intensified the political undertones surrounding the high-voltage encounter.

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ACC President Voices His Disappointment Towards the Act:

He remarked that India’s decision to walk off the field without exchanging handshakes with Pakistan went against the true spirit of cricket. According to him, such an act reflected unsporting behavior, suggesting it undermined the game’s values of respect and camaraderie that are traditionally upheld after matches, regardless of political or emotional circumstances.

On his ‘X’ platform, he wrote, “ Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”

India Thrashes Pakistan Both Ways:

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha opted to bat first after winning the toss, but his side faltered right from the start. Openers Saim Ayub and Mohammad Haris departed cheaply, leaving Pakistan under pressure. The batting order struggled to build momentum, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals.

Sahibzada Farhan offered some resistance with a composed 40, holding one end together. In the closing overs, Shaheen Afridi added valuable runs, smashing 33 off just 16 balls, featuring four towering sixes. Despite his late flourish, Pakistan could only post 127 for nine in their allotted 20 overs, setting India a modest target.

India’s chase got off to a flying start with Abhishek Sharma smashing 31 off just 13 deliveries. Skipper Suryakumar Yadav, celebrating his 35th birthday, guided the innings calmly with an unbeaten 47, while Tilak Varma chipped in with a steady 31. The target was chased down comfortably inside 16 overs.

In a rare sight after the match, Indian players skipped the traditional handshake. Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube exchanged fist bumps before heading directly to the dressing room, while the Pakistan squad shook hands among themselves. With this commanding win, India moved to the top of Group A with two straight victories.