India Faces Backlash for Snubbing Handshake with Pakistan in Asia Cup Clash

Dubai — A fresh controversy has erupted in the ongoing Asia Cup as the Indian cricket team has come under criticism for violating sportsmanship norms by refusing to shake hands with Pakistani players — a move seen as a clear breach of cricketing tradition and etiquette.

The incident occurred during a recent high-voltage clash between India and Pakistan at the Dubai International Stadium. Observers noted that at the toss, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav deliberately avoided shaking hands with Pakistani skipper Salman Ali Agha, despite standard pre-match protocol.

This departure from tradition appears to stem from a wave of backlash Suryakumar Yadav previously faced from Indian social media users after he shook hands with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and Pakistani captain Salman during an earlier encounter. The gesture, meant to reflect mutual respect, was harshly criticized in India, with some calling him a “traitor” on social platforms — pressure that seemingly influenced his actions in subsequent matches.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has formally lodged a protest with the Asia Cup organizers, citing unsportsmanlike conduct not only during the toss but also after the match, when the Indian team — having secured victory — refused to shake hands with Pakistani players and walked straight back to the dressing room.

Despite this snub, Pakistan’s captain Salman Ali Agha and head coach Mike Hesson showed maturity and sportsmanship by visiting the Indian dugout to congratulate the opposition. However, no Indian players came out to reciprocate the gesture.

Commentators and analysts have described the Indian team’s behavior as a troubling departure from cricketing norms. Some link the tensions to broader geopolitical factors, noting that India’s recent military setbacks, including the destruction of Rafale jets in a skirmish with Pakistan, may have placed the Indian cricket team under nationalist pressure to avoid any gestures of goodwill toward Pakistani counterparts.

In a press conference, when asked about the incident, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav cryptically responded, “Some things are beyond sportsmanship,” further fueling criticism and debate.

The incident has sparked widespread discussion across sports media, with many calling for the restoration of mutual respect and dignity in cricket, regardless of political tensions.

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The Asia Cup organizers have yet to issue an official statement on the matter.