Asia Cup 2025: Handshake Snub in India-Pakistan Match Sparks Debate Over Suryakumar-Gambhir Policy

Staff Reporter | PNN:
Although the cricketing intensity in the India vs Pakistan match at Asia Cup 2025 was relatively low, a major controversy erupted off the field over the Indian team’s decision not to shake hands with the opposition. In the match held on Sunday, the Indian team led by Suryakumar Yadav did not give any opportunity to the Pakistani team.

After the match, Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha or other players. Moreover, when the Pakistani team approached the Indian dressing room, the door remained closed.

During the award ceremony and press conference, Suryakumar stated that the decision to avoid handshakes was intended as a message to Pakistan, in remembrance of the Pahalgam terrorist attack. However, he clarified that it was not his personal initiative.

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir had formulated the policy behind the handshake snub. He instructed the players not to engage in any handshakes or conversations with Pakistani players. Before the match, the Indian dressing room discussed the “boycott” strategy, and players shared their concerns.

Gambhir said, “Reduce the noise on social media, stop all distractions. Your job is to play for India. Don’t forget the Pahalgam incident. No handshakes, no conversations. Just go on the field, give your best, and help India win.”

He added that through this match, respect was shown to the victims of the Pahalgam attack and their families, while also acknowledging the success of the Indian Army’s ‘Operation Sindhur’.

India and Pakistan may face each other again in the Super 4 or final rounds of Asia Cup 2025, where the handshake controversy could spark renewed debate.