Why Didn’t Indian Players Shake Hands with Pakistan After the Match? Captain Yadav Reveals the Reason
Why Didn't Indian Players Shake Hands with Pakistan After the Match? Captain Yadav Reveals the Reason
The Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan on Sunday, September 14, was more than just a game of cricket. The match took place amidst heightened tensions, largely due to the emotional aftermath of a terrorist attack earlier this year in Pahalgam, which claimed numerous lives and sparked outrage across India. The incident had stirred strong public sentiment, with many questioning whether the match should even go ahead.
Despite widespread debate and emotional resistance, the Indian team, after receiving clearance from the government and the BCCI, chose to participate. Under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav, India not only played but dominated, defeating Pakistan convincingly by seven wickets.
However, what happened after the final ball grabbed even more attention than the on-field action. Right from the start, there was a visible chill between the two teams. During the toss, neither captain—Suryakumar Yadav nor Salman Ali Agha—offered the customary handshake, marking a clear break from long-standing cricketing tradition. After India’s win, the Indian players chose not to shake hands with the Pakistani side, a move that quickly made headlines and ignited debate.
Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson later voiced his dissatisfaction with the gesture. According to him, the Pakistani team was prepared to uphold sportsmanship by offering handshakes, but their counterparts did not reciprocate. This lack of interaction reportedly led to Salman Ali Agha skipping the post-match presentation, as he was visibly upset.
No handshake by Indian team.
— Aman (@dharma_watch) September 14, 2025
Pakistan waited for handshake but India went to the dressing room and closed the doors.
What a humiliation by Indian team 🤣
Belt treatment for Porkis#INDvPAK #IndianCricket #INDvsPAK #indvspak2025 #AsiaCupT20 #AsiaCup #ShubmanGill #ViratKohli𓃵 pic.twitter.com/zXMXZEmiuP
In the post-match press conference, Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav shed light on the team’s decision. He clarified that the move was not made impulsively but was the outcome of careful deliberation within the squad.
“We took a team call. We had come only to play. We had given them a reply. Some things are beyond sportsmanship. We dedicate this victory to our armed forces who took part in ‘Operation Sindoor’ and stand with families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack,” said Suryakumar when PTI asked whether it was a collective decision.
The mention of “Operation Sindoor” holds deep significance. The mission was a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack and involved Indian forces targeting terrorist infrastructure across the border in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The operation led to intense military exchanges, briefly pushing both nations to the brink of conflict before a ceasefire was eventually agreed upon. Nevertheless, the trauma and emotional impact of those events continue to resonate deeply within India, especially among military families and the general public.
On the cricket field, Pakistan posted a modest total of 127 for 9 in their 20 overs. India chased it down effortlessly, scoring 131 for 3 in just 15.5 overs—a clear indication of their dominance throughout the match.
Mike Hesson, while commenting on the post-match events, expressed disappointment not only over the outcome of the match but also over the missed opportunity for a sporting gesture.
“We wanted to shake hands but disappointed that the opposition didn’t do that. Disappointed with the way we played, but we wanted to shake hands,” said Hesson.
He added: “Salman not coming for the post-match presentation was cause and effect after what happened.”
Well done Team India! After hitting the winning shot, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube went straight towards the dressing room. No one from the Indian dugout came out to shake hands, while the Pakistan team stood waiting, but the Indian team didn’t shake hands with them.💪🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/Qld6Kf0KhO
— 𝐑𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐢𝐢⁴⁵ (@rushiii_12) September 14, 2025
Earlier in the day, even during the toss, both captains kept their interaction to a minimum. There was no handshake or eye contact. Each captain handed over the team sheet to match referee Andy Pycroft from Zimbabwe, briefly interacted with toss presenter Ravi Shastri, and then walked off in opposite directions—avoiding any personal exchange.
It’s understood that the Indian team had already agreed upon how they would conduct themselves during the match, including avoiding traditional pre- and post-match courtesies. This stance had reportedly been encouraged by a senior support staff member who is known to hold strong views regarding matches against Pakistan. The BCCI is believed to have fully backed the decision.
“We are aligned with our government and the BCCI,” Suryakumar emphasized—echoing the sentiments previously shared by assistant coaches Ryan Ten Doeschate and Sitanshu Kotak during earlier media briefings.
