Asia Cup 2025: Handshake snub controversy escalates as Pakistan lodge protest against Indian players

After India thumped Pakistan by seven wickets in their second Asia Cup 2025 match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, the post-match presentation ceremony was delayed. When it started, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha didn’t attend it. India skipper Suryakumar Yadav and the Player of the Match Kuldeep Yadav made their presence felt.

“Pakistan’s team manager Naveed Cheema lodged a strong protest against Indian players for not shaking hands,” PCB said in a statement. “It was deemed as unsporting and against the spirit of the game. We didn’t send our skipper for the ceremony as a protest.” Earlier, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson called Agha’s act a flow-on effect of India’s refusal to shake hands at the toss and after the match was over.

According to Cricbuzz, match referee Andy Pycroft spoke to Salman Agha before the toss, urging him not to shake hands with India captain Suryakumar. PCB is not pleased with with Pycroft’s behaviour but didn’t name him in their statement. Sources from the Team India revealed that Suryakumar did not shake hands with UAE skipper Muhammad Waseem after the toss but both the teams were involved in handshakes after the contest.

Speaking about India’s decision, Suryakumar said that a few things are above sportsman spirit and that his players gave a perfect reply to Pakistan.