Asia Cup 2025: World Cup-winning star labels India’s no handshake decision as ‘Best reply’ to Pakistan

As Indian players avoided shaking hands with the Pakistan team, Madan Lal stated that “terrorism” and “sports” cannot be together. The no-handshake decision was linked to the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 tourists were killed by terrorists from the neighbouring country.

Speaking on the incident, Madan Lal told ANI, “It is their call. The reason they mentioned for not shaking hands was that we are standing by the Pahalgam victims. I think terrorism and sports cannot go together. But at the end of the day, it’s a game, and you played and won. That is the best reply you gave.”

Speaking about India’s dominant victory, Madan said, “Congratulations to everyone. We won really well…We are a better side, our team played well…This wasn’t Pakistan’s match at all. They do not have much merit…Their batting had no class. The shots they played, their approach to the game makes it look like Pakistan is a very weak side.”