Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticized the Indian team for not shaking hands with Pakistan after their seven-wicket win in the Asia Cup 2025 group match in Dubai. The match came after tensions following the Pahalgam terror attack and a brief cross-border escalation earlier this year. Although there were calls to boycott the game, the BCCI and Indian government allowed participation in multi-nation tournaments while ending bilateral series.
After the match, Pakistan’s players waited to shake hands, but the Indian players went straight to their dressing room and closed the doors. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir had asked the team to avoid handshakes and talking to Pakistan players as a sign of support for Pahalgam victims and the armed forces. Akhtar expressed his disappointment, saying the gesture was upsetting and that sport should not be politicized.
“I’m speechless. It’s really upsetting to see this. Hats off to India, but please don’t make cricket political. We have already said good things about you. We could say a lot about the no-handshake, but fights happen even at home. Just forget it and move on. It’s a game of cricket—shake hands and show sportsmanship,” said Akhtar, as quoted by NDTV.
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Toss Order: Captains Advised No Handshake
Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board said that team manager Naveed Akram Cheema officially protested, calling India’s actions unsportsmanlike. It’s worth noting that match referee Andy Pycroft had asked the captains at the toss not to shake hands, and Pakistan has raised this issue formally with the officials.
In the match, India limited Pakistan to 127/9 and comfortably chased 128 in just 15.5 overs. Suryakumar Yadav scored 47 runs, leading the charge. Pakistan struggled against India’s spinners, with Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel playing key roles in breaking their batting momentum. Shaheen Shah Afridi fought back with 33 runs off 16 balls, but it wasn’t enough to set a strong target. Suryakumar Yadav, supported by Tilak Varma, guided India to victory well before the allotted overs were completed.
FAQ
What caused Shoaib Akhtar’s disappointment after the India-Pakistan match in Asia Cup 2025?
Akhtar was disappointed because Team India refused to shake hands with Pakistan players after their Asia Cup clash.
What did Shoaib Akhtar say about the incident?
He urged not to make the cricket match political, praised India’s performance, but emphasized sportsmanship and shaking hands.
Did the match referee comment on the handshake issue?
Yes, Match referee Andy Pycroft had requested the captains at the toss not to shake hands, which added to the controversy.
How did Akhtar describe the importance of post-match conduct?
He said showing grace and shaking hands is part of cricket and should not be politicized, despite tensions.
