In a high-voltage clash at the Asia Cup 2025, India once again emerged victorious over Pakistan, continuing their dominance in cricket’s most intense rivalry. However, the match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on September 14, 2025, will be remembered not just for the result, but for the controversies that followed. Pakistan’s absence from the post-match presentation sparked global attention, raising questions about sportsmanship, diplomacy, and cricketing etiquette.
India vs Pakistan: A Match Shadowed by Tensions
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry has always been a spectacle, and this encounter carried even more weight following the Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor. From the toss itself, the tension was evident: captains Suryakumar Yadav and Salman Ali Agha avoided the customary handshake, setting the tone for a charged contest. India’s clinical performance, led by Suryakumar Yadav, ensured a seven-wicket win, with the winning runs punctuating a commanding display of skill and composure.
Post-match, the Indian team’s decision to head straight to the dressing room without participating in the handshake further inflamed the situation. Pakistan, anticipating the customary gesture, found themselves left in a cold, silent ground – a move that ignited discussions across social media and sports news outlets.
The Real Reason Behind Pakistan’s Absence
Initially, Pakistan cited the no-handshake incident as the reason for their captain Salman Agha skipping the post-match presentation. However, reports revealed a more nuanced explanation. The ceremony was hosted by Indian cricket commentator and former player Sanjay Manjrekar, and Pakistan reportedly chose to abstain as a mark of protest, later attributing it to the handshake snub.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson explained, “I think what happened was just a flow-on effect. We were keen to engage, to shake hands at the end of the match, but it didn’t happen — and that was pretty much the end of it.” Despite the absence of Agha, fast bowler Shaheen Afridi attended the presentation to receive his award for hitting the most sixes, maintaining a semblance of decorum amidst the controversy.
Expert Opinions: Was the Snub Justified?
Cricket legends weighed in on the fallout. Sunil Gavaskar dismissed Agha’s absence as inconsequential, stating, “People mainly wanted to hear what the winning captain had to say, not excuses from the other side.” On the other hand, Indian cricket stalwart Sourav Ganguly supported the decision to avoid the handshake, emphasizing that terrorism cannot dictate sporting norms.
Suryakumar Yadav used the post-match platform to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack, dedicating India’s victory to the families affected and the nation’s armed forces. His message underscored the gravity of the geopolitical backdrop, linking national sentiment with cricketing achievement.