‘Will you become a hero by avoiding handshake?’: Former Pakistan cricketer breaks silence on Indian team’s gesture in Asia Cup 2025

The India vs Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 Group A match ended in a tense manner at the Dubai International Stadium. After hitting the winning six, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube walked off without the usual handshake with Pakistan players. The Pakistan team also made no effort to initiate the gesture. Even during the toss, Suryakumar and Pakistan captain Salman Agha had skipped the traditional handshake.

However, After the match, Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson voiced his disappointment, saying that the Indian players had refused to shake hands even though the Pakistan team had tried to approach them.

Former Pakistan player Basit Ali took a harsh jibe at the Indian cricket team for the act. “This is Asia Cup. There will be an ICC event, for say World Cup. Whenever there is no handshake there, what will the head of ICC do? Because he is an Indian. Jay Shah. This is a matter of thought. Will you become a hero by avoiding handshake? No, the ones who know cricket, write about it, understand it, will never appretiate such things. Not only a Pakistani, even an Australian or somebody from England won’t appreciate it,” said Basit during a discussion in a Pakistani channel.

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After the win over Pakistan on Sunday, Suryakumar Yadav explained the team’s decision to refuse a handshake with their opponents, stating, “I feel a few things in life are ahead of sportsman spirit. I have told it at the presentation as well. We stand with all the victims of the Pahalagam terror attack. We stand with their families also and express our solidarity. As I said, we dedicate this win to our brave armed forces who took part in Operation Sindoor. As they continue to inspire us all, we will try our best to, whenever given the opportunity, inspire them as well if possible.”