IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2025: Pakistan files complaint against India over 'No Handshake' row

Following India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in their Group A clash of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium, tensions escalated off the field. Pakistan’s team manager, Naveed Akram Cheema, officially lodged a complaint with match referee Andy Pycroft, alleging that Indian players refused to engage in the customary post-match handshake with the Pakistani team. The gesture, or lack thereof, was seen as a breach of sporting spirit, prompting Pakistan to seek clarification and action from tournament officials. The lead-up to the match had already been marred by political controversy and heightened emotions.

Calls for a boycott had gained traction across India, with many fans expressing their dissatisfaction over the match proceeding in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent military retaliation dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor’. The attack earlier this year claimed the lives of 26 civilians in Kashmir, sparking national outrage and a swift military response targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Against this sensitive backdrop, every action on and off the field has been closely scrutinized. The reported snub by Indian players, if intentional, is being interpreted by many as a silent protest reflecting national sentiment rather than a mere breach of cricketing protocol. According to recent reports, the Pakistan team management has formally lodged a complaint against Team India’s conduct following their Asia Cup 2025 clash, claiming it went against “the spirit of sportsmanship.” The issue stems from India's refusal to engage in post-match handshakes after their seven-wicket win over Pakistan. 

In an official statement circulated via WhatsApp, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the development, stating that match referee Andy Pycroft had informed Pakistani all-rounder Salman Agha not to shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the toss due to heightened sensitivities. However, the PCB noted that no similar instruction was issued regarding the post-match handshake routine. The lack of a clear directive, according to Pakistan’s management, makes the Indian team’s gesture appear intentional, further escalating diplomatic tension on a cricketing stage already charged with political undertones. The PCB is now seeking clarification and possible action from the tournament authorities.

"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," stated the official statement.

Another controversy has emerged following the high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025. After the match, Pakistan captain Salman Agha did not appear for the post-match interview with the official broadcaster, Sony Sports. It has now been confirmed that his absence was a direct result of the “handshake gate” incident, where Team India refused to shake hands with the Pakistani players after their seven-wicket win. The post-match presentation was to be hosted by Sanjay Manjrekar, but Salman’s decision to skip the interaction has sparked further tension. His snub is being seen as a protest against what Pakistan considers unsporting behaviour from the Indian side, further intensifying the already politically charged atmosphere.

"Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team۔," the statement added.