India-Pakistan Handshake Controversy: Pakistan Coach Claims India Refused Post-Match Gesture at Asia Cup

India’s players have been accused of refusing to shake hands with Pakistan following their Asia Cup 2025 clash in Dubai, according to Pakistan’s head coach Mike Hesson.

India claimed a commanding seven-wicket victory, their sixth in succession against Pakistan in men’s cricket. But the aftermath of the game sparked controversy, with Hesson alleging that Indian players walked off the field without the customary handshake.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, who sealed the win, immediately left for the dressing room rather than greeting Pakistan’s players in the middle. There was also no handshake between Suryakumar and Pakistan skipper Salman Agha at the toss.

“Obviously, we were ready to shake hands at the end of the game,” Hesson told reporters. “We were disappointed that our opposition didn’t do that. It was a disappointing way for the match to finish.”

At the post-match presentation, Suryakumar dedicated the victory to the Indian armed forces and victims of April’s militant attack in Kashmir.
“This was a perfect return gift to India,” he said. “We stand with the victims and their families and dedicate this win to our armed forces who showed great bravery.”

The backdrop: India-Pakistan tensions

The match came just months after a four-day military conflict in April, triggered by a deadly militant attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. India blamed Pakistan for the attack—claims Pakistan denied—leading to air strikes and missile exchanges in one of the worst confrontations in decades.

Political tensions had already limited cricketing ties, with the two teams meeting only at global tournaments. There were even calls to cancel the Asia Cup fixture, but it went ahead with approval from both the Indian government and the BCCI.

On the field: India dominate

Despite the off-field drama, India’s performance left little doubt. Pakistan were bowled out for 127-9, with spinners Kuldeep Yadav (3-18) and Axar Patel (2-18) dismantling the middle order after early wickets from Jasprit Bumrah.

India’s chase was spearheaded by Abhishek Sharma (31) and capped off by Suryakumar’s unbeaten 47, sealing victory with 25 balls to spare.

India and Pakistan could meet again in the later stages of the Asia Cup, ensuring this rivalry—and its controversies—are far from over.