“Players should be ambassadors, not an embarrassment”: Shahid Afridi on handshake controversy

Shahid Afridi, the former Pakistan captain, has slammed the Indian cricket team for skipping the traditional post-match handshakes following their seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup Group A match at Dubai International Stadium on Sunday.

The incident sparked tension between the two sides, with the Pakistan Cricket Board threatening to withdraw from the tournament over the role of match referee Andy Pyrcroft. Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, also opted out of the post-match presentation ceremony.

The controversy intensified when Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and his team refused to follow the usual tradition of greeting the rival team after the match. Mike Hesson, the coach of Pakistan, voiced his disappointment over the situation.

“In my view, there was a lack of sportsmanship. They will once again be embarrassed in front of the world. I believe our position was spot on, and our PCB chairman has made the right decision. Overall, it’s excellent,” Afridi remarked.

“I’ve always believed that players should be ambassadors, not an embarrassment. I don’t blame the Indian cricketers; they were following orders from higher command,” he continued.

“Interestingly, Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captain’s press conference. But when it came to the crowd, the government couldn’t handle the social media pressure. Now, Indian players have become a source of embarrassment in front of the world,” Afridi concluded.