A new controversy has emerged after India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in the Asia Cup 2025 on Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. A day after the match, Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed an official complaint against the Indian team with match referee Andy Pycroft.
The complaint stated that Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav and other Indian players refused to shake hands with the Pakistan players after the match. Pakistan called the action “against the spirit of sports.”
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also released an official statement. They claimed that Pycroft had told Pakistan captain Salman Agha not to shake hands with Suryakumar Yadav at the toss. However, no such instructions were given about post-match formalities.
Pakistan’s Protest and Reactions after Suryakumar Yadav and co. Refuse Handshake
Pakistan captain Salman Agha skipped the post-match presentation with broadcaster Sanjay Manjrekar. The PCB confirmed that this was done in protest against the handshake incident.
“Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation in protest against the behaviour of the Indian team,” the PCB statement read.
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Coach Mike Hesson added that the Pakistan players went to the Indian dressing room for the customary handshakes, but the Indian side did not respond. Reports suggested that the Indian management even shut the dressing room door.
“We wanted to shake hands but were disappointed the opposition did not. Salman’s decision to miss the presentation was directly linked to what happened,” Hesson said.
Meanwhile, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav used the post-match presentation to dedicate the victory to the Indian Armed Forces. He paid tribute to the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
“We stand by the families of the victims. We dedicate this win to our armed forces. Their bravery inspires us, and we hope to give them more reasons to smile,” Suryakumar said.
The incident has created fresh tension between the two teams. The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) has not yet released any official statement on the matter.
