The PCB lodged an “unsporting behaviour” complaint with the Asian Cricket Council after India’s refusal to engage in the traditional pre-match handshake.

According to a senior BCCI official, India’s decision was premeditated and approved by top board members. “If you read the rule book, there is no specification about shaking hands with the opposition. It is a goodwill gesture and a convention, not a law,” the anonymous source told PTI. “If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team is not bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of strained relations.”

Head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players had remained silent on the matter until Monday, when the BCCI confirmed that the policy would continue for any subsequent India-Pakistan encounters during the Super Four stage on 22 September, and potentially in the final on 28 September. The move underscores India’s firm stance that on-field traditions cannot override diplomatic sensitivities.

The tension extended off-field, with match referee Andy Pycroft handing over team sheets instead of captains exchanging them directly a deviation from standard procedure. Reports suggest Pycroft even directed Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha not to shake hands with India’s skipper, further inflaming the controversy.

This is not the first time politics has influenced sportsmanship. During Wimbledon 2023, Ukrainian Elina Svitolina declined to shake hands with Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, citing her nation’s suffering at the hands of Russia and Belarus. Wimbledon officials opted not to penalize the gesture, recognizing the political context.

As the Asia Cup 2025 progresses, the BCCI’s endorsement of Suryakumar Yadav’s no-handshake stance sends a clear message: Team India will uphold its principles on and off the field, even in cricket’s fiercest rivalry.