Asia Cup No-Handshake Row: PCB lodges formal ACC complaint after India snubs Pakistan

The row traces itself to the Sunday T20 face-off in Dubai, where India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, refused all friendly gestures with Pakistan’s players, triggering a diplomatic and sporting uproar.

PCB Files Formal Complaint with ACC

According to PCB’s statement, team manager Naveed Akram Cheema filed a strong protest to match referee Andy Pycroft and the ACC after Indian players snubbed post-match handshakes. PCB termed the action “unsporting and against the spirit of the game,” while confirming that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match presentation as a deliberate act of protest. PCB further revealed that Salman was advised by the referee at the toss not to shake hands with Suryakumar; however, there was no official directive for the post-match formalities.

What Prompted Team India’s Protest?

The Indian team’s decision was deeply tied to political tension and national sentiment. In the wake of the Pahalgam terrorist attack and subsequent Operation Sindoor, the BCCI and Indian squad made a conscious choice: “Some things are ahead of sportsmanship, we stand with the victims and dedicate the win to our armed forces,” Suryakumar declared post-match. As a result, Team India opted to return straight to the dressing room, refusing traditional handshakes and social pleasantries, both before and after the game.

Pakistan’s Response and Reactions

The snub left Pakistan’s players—including coach Mike Hesson—disappointed, as the team had lined up and approached the Indian dressing room for handshakes, only to find the doors closed. PCB officially escalated the matter to the ACC, demanding the incident be recognized as a breach of sportsmanship and cricketing decorum.

The Political Overhang

The “No Handshake” controversy reflects ongoing Indo-Pak tensions and the impact of political hostilities on sporting exchanges. India’s stance is seen as both a tribute and a statement amid calls to boycott the match after the deadly attack in Pahalgam. The episode has divided fans, with many in India supporting the gesture while international sporting bodies advocate keeping politics off the pitch.

The fallout continues, as ACC has yet to issue a formal statement on Pakistan’s protest. India, meanwhile, stands resolute, with the action marking solidarity with victims of terror while setting a precedent for blending national sentiment with international sports.