Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar expressed disappointment over Team India’s refusal to shake hands with Pakistan players after their encounter in the Asia Cup 2025. Akhtar also urged India to separate politics from cricket and added that Suryakumar Yadav’s side should have shown grace by shaking hands.
India outplayed Pakistan in their Group A clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, September 14. The Men in Blue restricted Pakistan to 127 for nine wickets in 20 overs. In reply, the Suryakumar Yadav-led side chased down the target in just 15.5 overs, losing only three wickets to secure the win.
Watch: India Walk Off Without Handshakes After Win Over Pakistan
Suryakumar Yadav smashed a six off left-arm wrist spinner Sufiyan Muqeem to finish the match. The Indian skipper scored 47 runs off 37 balls, including five boundaries and a six, while Shivam Dube added 10 not out at the other end.
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After the win, Suryakumar and Dube walked straight to the dressing room instead of shaking hands with the Pakistan players. Notably, Pakistan cricketers shook hands with each other on the field, and the Indian team did the same near the boundary.
India made it clear they did not want to share friendly gestures with Pakistan. Many believe this came from instructions given by higher authorities, not just the players.
No handshake after the Innings. Well done by SKY and Shivam Dube. 👏 pic.twitter.com/LjNBTNFKsF
— indianTeamCric (@Teamindiacrick) September 14, 2025
Shoaib Akhtar Slams India for Skipping Handshake After Asia Cup Clash
Shoaib Akhtar shared his thoughts after India declined to shake hands with Pakistan players following their Asia Cup clash. The former fast bowler said cricket should not be dragged into political issues and urged players to display sportsmanship.
“I’m speechless. It is disheartening to see and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. Cricket match hain isko political mat banao. Hum ne acchi statement di hai aapkee liye. Hum bohut kuchh bol sakte hai. Hoti rehte hain ladayi jhagre, ghar me bhi ho jaati hain,” Akhtar said.
“(Don’t make a cricket match political. We have said nice things about you. We can say a lot of things about the no handshake. Fights happen, even inside your house. Forget it, move on. It is the game of cricket, shake your hands, show your grace.)”
Shoaib Akhtar crying over the handshake saga 😂 Same guy was chilling with Asim Munir & Afridi months back. Well done Surya – strike as deep as Nur Khan Air Base! 🔥🇮🇳 #INDvsPAK #IndianCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #aisacup2025 #indvspak2025 https://t.co/6O4XkugN8U pic.twitter.com/t9V8pCk0U8
— Gaurav (@k_gauravs) September 15, 2025
Thik Kiya Salman Ali Agha Ne – Shoaib Akhtar
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha skipped the presentation ceremony. Shoaib Akhtar backed his decision, saying the skipper did the right thing by staying away.
“Thik kiya Salman Ali Agha ne, wo nahi gaya post match mein, good (Salman Ali Agha did the right thing, he did not go to the post-match ceremony, good),” Akhtar stated.
Earlier, Suryakumar Yadav avoided the customary handshake at the toss before the match. The two leaders did not exchange greetings despite crossing paths.
Pakistan are next scheduled to face Oman in their final group-stage contest of the Asia Cup 2025 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, September 17.
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