Published: Dec 29, 2025, 04:13 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 29, 2025, 04:13 PM (IST)
PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi has spoken publicly about India’s “no-handshake†policy, saying Pakistan will not push for handshakes if the BCCI continues with the same approach. Since the Asia Cup in September, both the Indian men’s and women’s teams have refused to shake hands with Pakistan players in international matches. The move is said to be a sign of support for the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. India followed the same policy recently during the U19 Asia Cup earlier this month.
While speaking to reporters in Lahore, Naqvi – who is also Pakistan’s Interior Minister – made it clear that the PCB has no plan to force handshakes or any other formal gestures with India.
“Our belief remains the same even today, and believe me, the Prime Minister himself has told me twice that we shouldn’t let politics come into all of this. From day one, our stance has been that cricket and politics should remain separate. On that day, Sarfaraz must have told you what kind of attitude was shown, and what it was like,” said Naqvi.
Naqvi also said that Pakistan will respect India’s decision, but will compete with them on equal terms, without backing down.
“If they don’t want to shake hands, then we have no particular desire to do so either. Whatever happens, it will happen on an equal footing with India. And you will see, this approach will continue going forward. It’s not possible for them to do one thing and for us to back down – that simply won’t happen,” he added.
Relations between the two countries have become very tense after the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 Indian tourists were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists. In reply, India launched a military campaign called ‘Operation Sindoor’, which was aimed at destroying terror infrastructure across the border.
