In a tense aftermath to their dominant victory in the Asia Cup 2025, India’s cricket team has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistan after reportedly closing their dressing room door and declining post-match handshakes. The incident prompted Pakistan’s management to file a formal complaint, branding the conduct as contrary to the essence of competitive sportsmanship.
The controversy unfolded following India’s comfortable seven-wicket triumph over Pakistan in a Group A fixture at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday. Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, promptly raised the issue with match referee Andy Pycroft, highlighting the perceived breach of protocol.
Tensions had simmered even before the match began, fueled by widespread calls in India for a boycott amid the fallout from the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Indian military operation, Operation Sindoor. Earlier this year, a devastating assault in Kashmir claimed 26 lives, prompting India to strike terrorist installations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) submitted an official grievance, asserting the Indian actions violated sporting norms. A PCB statement, circulated via WhatsApp, noted that while referee Pycroft had advised Pakistan captain Salman Agha against exchanging handshakes with India’s Suryakumar Yadav during the toss, no such guidance extended to end-of-match courtesies.
“The Pakistani cricket team manager Naveed Akram Cheema has officially lodged a protest against the Indian cricket team, calling the behaviour against the spirit of sports,” the statement declared.
Compounding the discord, Pakistan’s captain Salman Agha boycotted the post-match interview with broadcaster Sony, a move the PCB attributed directly to the handshake dispute. “Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team,” it further explained.
The match itself set the tone for unease, with captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha forgoing both handshakes and eye contact at the toss a gesture that drew little attention, given Yadav’s similar reserve toward UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem earlier in the tournament.
Post-victory drama peaked when Yadav smashed the winning six and, alongside teammate Shivam Dube, hurried back to the dressing room without engaging Pakistan players in the traditional line-up. Although Pakistan’s side initially appeared uninterested, the dynamic shifted as Agha, coach Mike Hesson, and the full squad advanced toward the Indian area, poised for greetings.
Instead, the door was shut by Indian staff, extinguishing any prospect of interaction. The rebuff visibly irked Hesson, who later addressed reporters, emphasizing his team’s good-faith effort. “We went to shake hands but…” he trailed off, annoyance etched on his face.
In a poignant note amid the acrimony, Suryakumar Yadav dedicated the win to India’s armed forces, underscoring the broader context weighing on the encounter.
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