Tensions High in Dubai as India Refuses Handshakes with Pakistan Players

The result of the group stage match of Asia Cup 2025, which cricket fans around the world were eagerly awaiting, has arrived. Once again, the Indian team has decisively defeated their arch-rival Pakistan. The atmosphere was electric not only during this high-stakes match played in Dubai on Sunday night but also afterward. After winning, no Indian player shook hands with the Pakistani players, causing the Pakistan team to leave the field with their heads down. Moreover, Salman Aga did not even attend the post-match presentation interview in anger.

No player shook hands before or after India's seven-wicket victory over Pakistan in the Asia Cup, as tensions between the two countries were evident on the field in Dubai. Suryakumar Yadav explained that India had decided beforehand, with the BCCI and the Government of India, not to shake hands with the opposition team. Pakistan was very disappointed by this decision. Pakistani coach Mike Hesson stated that the team was expecting to shake hands after the match, but later found out that India had ignored them.

A few hours after the match ended, the PCB issued a statement saying that the Pakistan team manager had lodged a formal protest, as he had requested the captains not to shake hands during the toss. It is also notable that, due to not shaking hands, Pakistan's captain Salman Aga did not participate in the TV interview after the match.