WATCH: 'We will try to respond...' - Shaheen Afridi sparks fresh IND-PAK tensions over Asia Cup no handshake controversy ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Shaheen Shah Afridi who is the fast bowler for Pakistan, has once again raised the level of tension regarding the rivalry between India and Pakistan in cricket through some statements made after his team’s season-ending match with India at the Asia Cup 2025. In a press conference held in Lahore, Afridi accused the Indian players of violating the spirit of the game by their on-field behaviour and has therefore reignited some debate between both countries. All of this information is coming at a time when the Asian continent was shocked by many incidents that occurred during the historically played Asia Cup and continues to be the topic of discussion amongst both countries.

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The 2025 Asia Cup saw many strained relationships between India & Pakistan, especially in regards to their three matches. During their most recent match, Indian players chose to not shake the hands of their Pakistani opponents after their match, something that was considered an act of protest against the killings of three soldiers at Pahalgam. It is believed that Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav initiated this action and sent a message of solidarity with the citizens of India, as well as Indian troops, regarding this tragic act. Afridi, however, condemned this action as being contrary to the fundamentals of respect and sportsmanship that should be upheld within cricket.

“People across the border have violated the spirit of sportsmanship. Our job is to play cricket, and that remains our focus. We will try to respond on the field,” Shaheen said.

Watch the video here;

IND–PAK Tensions Spill Over Into T20 World Cup Build-Up

During the course of the Asia Cup 2025, actions on the field created a hostile environment, which led to controversy surrounding the no-handshake incident. The actions of Pakistan’s players became the subject of scrutiny for celebrating in a provocative manner, specifically Haris Rauf’s "jet crash" celebration and Sahibzada Farhan’s "firing rifle" mimic. These two incidents resulted in major backlash and were ultimately ruled as violations of the ICC Code of Conduct, illustrating that both teams had engaged in offensive conduct against one another, and created an even more tumultuous cricket relationship between the two countries.

Tension escalated even further after India beat Pakistan in the final of the Asia Cup. The Indian side refused to accept the Asia Cup trophy from the President of the Asian Cricket Council, and the Chairman of PCB Mohsin Naqvi (who is also the Interior Minister of Pakistan) did not appoint a substitute for the presentation. Consequently, there was no presentation of the trophy. Thus, the award ceremony concluded with Team India celebrating, but not being able to lift the trophy. The stage is now set for the next meeting between the two sides in the T20 World Cup on February 15, 2023, in Colombo.