Key points
- ACC and PCB express disappointment
- Rashid Latif questions India’s sportsmanship
DUBAI: Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has voiced disappointment after Indian players reportedly refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts following their Asia Cup 2025 group-stage clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Lets hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace
— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) September 14, 2025
Taking to social media platform X, Naqvi criticised the conduct, writing: “Utterly disappointing to witness the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let’s hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace.”
India chased down Pakistan’s total of 127/9 in just 16 overs, winning by seven wickets. Captain Suryakumar Yadav sealed the victory with a six, finishing unbeaten on 47. Teammates Tilak Varma (31) and Abhishek Sharma (31 off 13 balls) provided solid support.
Exchanging fist bumps
After the win, Suryakumar and Shivam Dube exchanged fist bumps and congratulated each other, but did not interact with the Pakistan players. The Indian squad headed straight to the dressing room, while Pakistan’s team shook hands amongst themselves.
“We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game, We are disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that, we went there to shake hands but they had already gone to the changing room, it was a disappointing way for the match to finish,” says Pakistan’s coach Mike Hesson pic.twitter.com/9OI63Laiir
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) September 14, 2025
Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson expressed his dissatisfaction in the post-match press conference, stating, “Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. We went over there to shake hands but they were already heading to the dressing room.”
Post-match presentation
Hesson added that Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha’s absence from the post-match presentation was likely influenced by the incident. “I think it was just a flow-on effect… that was pretty much the end of it,” he said.
Yes you are India cricket , yes you are the best team in the world .. but not to shake hands at the end of the game .. shows your real colours !!! Pakistan players were waiting but Indian players went inside dressing room !! Where is ICC#AsiaCup2025 #INDvsPAK pic.twitter.com/zRv16mrjMc
— Rashid Latif | 🇵🇰 (@iRashidLatif68) September 14, 2025
Former Pakistan skipper Rashid Latif also reacted on X, writing: “Yes, you are India cricket, yes, you are the best team in the world… but not to shake hands at the end of the game shows your real colours! Pakistan players were waiting, but the Indian players went straight into the dressing room! Where is ICC?”
Tensions were visible throughout the match, with both captains avoiding a handshake at the toss and again after the final ball. Pakistan’s innings saw a modest total, despite a late cameo by Shaheen Afridi (33 off 16). India’s dominant chase was marred only by the post-match fallout.
