Handshake row escalates: ACC chief expresses disappointment over lack of sportsmanship from India

Asian Cricket Council (ACC) president and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi has voiced disappointment over the post-match incident in the India-Pakistan Asia Cup encounter on Sunday, accusing the Indian side of lacking sportsmanship.

In a post on X, Naqvi wrote, “Utterly disappointed by 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.”

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar echoed the sentiment, expressing shock at the turn of events. He congratulated India for the win, but advised against turning a cricket match into politics. “Cricket is about shaking hands and showing grace,” he said.

What happened?

The high-voltage Group A encounter between India and Pakistan in the Asia Cup ended on an unexpectedly cold note at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Once the match was over, Indian batters Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off the field without engaging in the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistan players.  

The Pakistani players, too, showed no intent to extend the gesture, leaving the contest without the usual show of sportsmanship. After the handshake snub, Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony.

The tension was palpable even before the first ball was bowled, when captains Suryakumar and Salman Agha skipped the handshake at the toss. What began as a symbolic snub set the tone for a frosty finish, where the absence of camaraderie spoke louder than the cricket itself.

“We stand with the victims of the families of the Pahalgam terror attack, and we express our solidarity, and we want to dedicate today's win to the armed forces,” India captain Suryakumar Yadav said after the match.

PCB lodges complaint with ACC

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has filed an official complaint with the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) after Indian players declined to shake hands following their Asia Cup match, calling the gesture unsporting. 

(With inputs from syndicated feed)