In a decisive move to quell the lingering fallout from a post-match handshake controversy at the Asia Cup 2025, tournament organizers have pinpointed and dismissed the individuals responsible, signaling the near-end of the saga that briefly overshadowed the cricket spectacle.
The incident unfolded during the tense aftermath of a high-stakes qualifier between arch-rivals India and Pakistan on September 14 in Colombo. As players exchanged handshakes amid the electric atmosphere of the Premadasa Stadium, a minor scuffle erupted involving ground staff and security personnel. Video footage, which quickly went viral on social media platforms, captured what appeared to be unprofessional conduct, including shoving and verbal altercations near the players’ dugout. Fans and pundits alike decried the lapse, fearing it could tarnish the spirit of the continental tournament.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), the governing body overseeing the event, launched an immediate inquiry upon reviewing the clips. Sources within the ACC, speaking to NDTV Sports on condition of anonymity, revealed that the probe identified two key figures: a senior ground operations manager and a deputy security coordinator. Both had allegedly failed to de-escalate the situation promptly, exacerbating the disorder. “The actions of these individuals fell short of the professional standards expected at an international event,” an ACC spokesperson stated in an official release issued late Monday. “We have terminated their services effective immediately to uphold the integrity of the tournament.”
The dismissals come as a relief to stakeholders, including team captains from both sides, who had publicly urged for swift accountability. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, had commented post-match, “Cricket is about respect on and off the field such distractions don’t belong here.” His Pakistani counterpart echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for seamless operations. The ACC has since implemented additional training modules for remaining staff, focusing on crowd control and player safety protocols, to prevent future breaches.
NDTV Sports understands that the decision was endorsed by the event’s technical committee, chaired by former Sri Lankan legend Aravinda de Silva. No further disciplinary actions are anticipated against players or coaching staff, as the inquiry cleared them of any involvement. With the Asia Cup now advancing to the semi-final stage, attention shifts back to the pitch, where Bangladesh and Sri Lanka vie for spots in the final. The controversy, though brief, served as a stark reminder of the pressures inherent in hosting marquee rivalries under global scrutiny.
This resolution underscores the ACC’s commitment to maintaining decorum, ensuring that the focus remains on athletic excellence rather than administrative missteps. As the tournament progresses toward its climax on September 20, organizers hope the episode will be remembered as a resolved footnote rather than a defining blemish.
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