Daijiworld Media Network – Colombo

Colombo, Sep 15: A day after India’s Asia Cup 2025 win over Pakistan, a handshake snub has sparked a storm in cricketing circles. Team India, led by Suryakumar Yadav, avoided all friendly gestures with Pakistani players on Sunday as a tribute to soldiers killed in Operation Sindoor and civilians who died in the Pahalgam terror attack.

Match referee Andy Pycroft had informed Pakistan’s skipper Salman Ali Agha in advance that Indian players would not participate in handshakes, including at the toss. Despite this, the Pakistan team reportedly approached the Indian dressing room after the game, only to find the doors closed.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called the gesture “unsportsmanlike” and confirmed it has lodged an official protest. PCB stated that Salman skipped the post-match presentation as a mark of protest, claiming the conduct “goes against the spirit of sports.”
Explaining the move, Suryakumar said the no-handshake decision was a solemn tribute to the Pahalgam terror victims and fallen soldiers.