After India’s recent Asia Cup 2025 match against Pakistan, the Indian cricket team made headlines for not shaking hands with the Pakistani players. India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has now explained why the team chose this path, saying it was a decision taken together by the players and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

The Match and the Controversy

India won the match by 7 wickets, but the victory was overshadowed by the “no handshake” incident. During the pre-match toss, Suryakumar Yadav did not shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. After the match, the Indian players walked straight back to their dressing room, avoiding interaction with the Pakistani team.

This unusual move drew global attention and sparked debates about sportsmanship and respect on the cricket field.

Suryakumar Yadav Breaks Silence

In a post-match press conference, Yadav said the team’s decision was deliberate and necessary. He stated:

“We took a call as we came here to only play. We gave a proper reply. We are aligned with BCCI and the government. I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.”

Yadav emphasized that the gesture was a mark of solidarity with the families of the 26 Indian tourists who lost their lives in the April Pahalgam terror attack. The team also dedicated their win to the brave armed forces involved in Operation Sindoor, the military operation conducted against terrorist bases following the attack.

“We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best, whenever given the opportunity, to inspire them as well if possible,” Yadav added.

Reactions from Pakistan

The decision did not go unnoticed by the Pakistani team. Pakistan coach Mike Hesson revealed that captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the post-match presentation ceremony in response to India’s actions.

“We wanted to shake hands but were disappointed that the opposition didn’t do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands,” Hesson said.

He described the decision to skip the presentation as “cause and effect” following the handshake snub.

Sportsmanship vs. Solidarity

The incident has sparked a debate on sportsmanship. Many argue that cricket is meant to remain separate from political or social issues, with gestures like handshakes representing mutual respect. Others believe that under the tragic circumstances, India’s team made a symbolic choice to honor victims and express national solidarity.

Cricket experts note that India and Pakistan share a long and intense sporting rivalry. In such high-pressure matches, players often face the challenge of balancing emotions, national pride, and the traditional spirit of the game.

The Bigger Picture

While the handshake controversy has drawn criticism, it also highlights the strong emotions surrounding cricket matches between India and Pakistan. These games are more than just sports; they carry deep national and emotional significance.

Suryakumar Yadav’s comments provide clarity on India’s intentions, showing that the team acted with a sense of duty toward their country and the families affected by the terror attack. At the same time, the Pakistani side’s disappointment reflects the fine line between competitive rivalry and mutual respect in international cricket.

The Asia Cup 2025 “no handshake” incident will remain a talking point for cricket fans worldwide. While some may question the move, India’s captain and players have explained their decision as a mark of respect for victims and support for the armed forces.

As international cricket continues, it will be important for both teams to find ways to honor emotions, uphold sportsmanship, and maintain the spirit of the game, even in tense situations.