"If someone does not want......." - Former Indian World Cup-winning captain speaks on IND-PAK handshake controversy in Asia Cup 2025

Pakistan cricket is upset about the no-handshake controversy in the Asia Cup 2025, in which the Indian cricket team decided not to shake hands with the Pakistan players in their group stage fixture of the Asia Cup 2025 last Sunday (September 14) night. Former Indian World Cup-winning captain has now opened up his view on this matter. 

India-Pakistan's tense relations have deepened since the 2025 Pahalgam attack, as many Indians have demanded a boycott of any remaining relationships with Pakistan. It has affected many India-Pakistan relationships, including in sports. In fact, in the World Championship of Legends 2025 in England, where many legendary international cricketers represented their respective nations, defending champions India Champions withdrew both their matches against Pakistan Champions, including withdrawing their Semi-final meeting. 

The Indian government has also clarified its stance with Pakistan, including regarding their sports relationship. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has clarified that they will respect and follow the Indian government’s decision, which is not to play any bilateral series with Pakistan and not to play any matches in Pakistan, but will face their arch-rivals in the international tournaments, like ACC or ICC, to avoid any legal issues at the international level. 

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Asia Cup 2025, India vs Pakistan (Group A): Indian players didn't shake hands with Pakistan players

Last Sunday, India faced Pakistan in the Group A fixture of the Asia Cup 2025, where the Men in Blues thrashed their arch-rivals by seven wickets. But in the toss, as well as after the match, the Indian team didn’t shake hands with the Pakistan cricket team.

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hasn’t taken it lightly as they have demanded actions from the ICC against Match Referee Andy Pycroft for advising no handshake with the Indian team and Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav for his post-match comments.

These are all small things: Kapil Dev

Kapil Dev, the 1983 Indian World Cup-winning captain, feels that these are small things, as no need to make a big issue. He rather advises focusing on playing the game. 

Kapil Dev told ANI, “These are all small things. One should focus on playing cricket. If someone does not want to shake hands, there is no need to make a big issue out of it for both sides. It is not right to give wrong statements, but some cricketers give statements that become controversial Pakistan did not play good cricket; they need to work on it. It is one’s personal choice whether they want to shake hands or hug.”

Pakistan nearly boycotted its last group stage game in the Asia Cup 2025 against the hosts United Arab Emirates (UAE) last Wednesday (September 17), as they arrived at the stadium late, which forced a one-hour delay to start the game. It was the must-win match for Pakistan, so withdrawing from the match meant their elimination from the tournament. As Pakistan beat the UAE by 41 runs, they will again face India on coming Sunday (September 21) night in the Super Fours of Asia Cup 2025.