The Asia Cup 2025 saw an exhilarating face-off between India and Pakistan on September 14 (Sunday). Yet, post-match controversy stole the limelight. Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav hit a triumphant six and walked directly to the pavilion with Shivam Dube, foregoing the customary handshake with the Pakistani team.
Cricket etiquette dictates that both teams typically shake hands after a match to uphold sportsmanship. Pakistani players and support staff awaited Indian players to extend this courtesy, but the entire Indian team headed straight for the dressing room, shutting the doors behind them. Earlier, during the toss, Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha also skipped the handshake.
Suryakumar Yadav clarified that his team was there to play and decisively responded to Pakistan. He emphasized that some things transcend a player's feelings, stating, "Our team stands by the families affected by the Pahalgam terrorist attack." Captain Surya dedicated this victory to the Indian army, who conducted Operation Sindhur successfully.
Stunned and disappointed by the lack of handshakes, the Pakistani team expressed discontent. Team manager Naveed Akhtar Cheema officially complained against the Indian team's conduct. Cheema also filed a grievance against match referee Andy Pycroft, who requested the captains not shake hands at the toss.
Handshaking isn't mandated by International Cricket Council (ICC) rules. Thus, fines or bans for omission would be unwarranted. Handshakes before or after matches are gestures of sportsmanship, prevalent not just in cricket but other sports, too.
If players intentionally avoid handshaking, it's considered against the spirit of the game. According to ICC's code of conduct, Article 2.1.8, such behavior undermines the game's spirit and reputation, classified as Level-1 or Level-2 offenses.
For a Level-1 offense, one might receive a warning or a fine up to $2,000. Level-2 violations can incur a 100% match fee penalty and demerit points. Accumulating four or more demerit points within 24 months could lead to match bans.
