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Afridi Slams India’s No-Handshake Move: “They Look Like Shame, Not Pride” – But Pakistan Forced to Play UAE After ICC Says NO

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The Asia Cup 2025 drama just hit peak levels.
From no handshakes to last-minute walkout threats, this tournament has become more than cricket.

Now, Shahid Afridi, Pakistan’s explosive former captain, has dropped a bombshell on social media—and it’s shaking the cricket world.

Let’s break down the truth, the tension, and how Pakistan had no choice but to play even after threatening to quit.

🔥 Shahid Afridi Speaks Out: “India Players Are in Shame”

Former star Shahid Afridi made strong comments online:

“There is nothing wrong with Indian players refusing to shake hands. They followed orders. But this act brings shame to them in front of the world.”

His full take:

Who’s Responsible?
“BCCI gave the order. Players just obeyed.”
Is It Right?
“No. This hurts sportsmanship.”
Who Stands Tall?
“Pakistan is right. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi took the correct stand.”
Message to Players
“Players are ambassadors of their country. Don’t become a disgrace.”

He added:

“Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the Asia Cup launch. No one protested then. But when fans reacted, the government stepped in. Now, Indian players look bad globally.”

Fans are split:cricketerinsights.site

“Afridi finally said what we felt.”

“Respect him for speaking truth, not politics.”

🚫 The Handshake That Never Happened

After India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets:

  • Indian players did not shake hands.
  • Suryakumar Yadav said, “Some things matter more than sportsmanship.”
  • Dedication was made to soldiers and terror victims.

But now, Afridi says:

“You can show respect without disrespecting others.”

⚖️ ICC Delivers Final Verdict: Andy Pycroft STAYS

Pakistan demanded that match referee Andy Pycroft be removed, blaming him for advising captains not to shake hands at the toss.

But the ICC said NO.

“Pycroft followed protocol”
Match officials act to avoid conflict during tense times
“We don’t remove umpires under pressure”
Sets dangerous precedent
“No change in officials”
Final decision announced hours before the UAE match

This killed Pakistan’s main argument.

🏟️ Pakistan Forced to Play Walkout Threat Fails

Despite earlier warnings: “If Pycroft stays, we won’t play UAE.”

Pakistan had no choice.

Here’s why:

ICC Refused Demand
No leverage left
Financial Risk
₹250 crore loss if banned from future events
Super 4 Qualification
Only a win against the UAE keeps hope alive
Global Image
Pulling out = seen as weak, not strong

So, at 9:00 PM IST, under heavy tension, the match began.

📊 Match Details: Pakistan vs UAE – Do or Die

Match
Asia Cup Group A – Must-win for Pakistan
Venue
Dubai International Stadium
Toss Time
7:30 PM IST (delayed start)
Actual Start
9:00 PM IST
Toss Winner
UAE
Chose to
Bowl first
Stakes
Pakistan must win to qualify for the Super 4

UAE’s early decision to bowl puts pressure on Pakistan’s batting lineup.

🧨 What Went Down Behind the Scenes?

Morning
Fake news spreads: “ICC removed Pycroft”
Afternoon
ICC denies the report. PCB shocked.
Evening
Emergency talks between PCB & ICC
8:00 PM
Pakistan delays arrival at the stadium
8:45 PM
The team enters the dressing room
9:00 PM
Match begins – no boycott

Pakistan didn’t walk out.
They folded under pressure.
And fans aren’t happy.

One fan tweeted:

“We threatened the world… and played anyway. Where’s the pride?”

📈 Super 4 Qualification Scenarios

India
4
Qualified
Qualified
Pakistan
2
Can qualify (based on NRR)
Eliminated
UAE
0
Still fighting
Gets 2 points → 4 total →QUALIFIES
Oman
0
Depends on results
The UAE needs to lose

👉 If Pakistan loses or quits → UAE qualifies, not Pakistan.

Final Thoughts: Pride vs Pressure

Pakistan wanted respect.
They got embarrassed.

India stood firm.
But lost some global goodwill.

And Shahid Afridi?
He reminded everyone:

“Cricket should unite, not divide.”

Now, all eyes are on the pitch.
Can Pakistan save face with a win?
Or will they crash out after all the noise?

Watch Live & Join the Debate

🎥 [Watch: Full highlights of UAE vs Pakistan]
📢 [Relive Afridi’s viral social media post]
💬 Comment below: Was the no-handshake protest worth it?

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