The India-Pakistan clash in the 2025 Asia Cup didn’t just end on the field; it exploded off it.
India won by 7 wickets.
But what followed shocked fans, players, and the cricket world.
No handshake.
No sportsmanship.
And a captain who refused to show up for the award ceremony.
Let’s break down the drama, the reasons, and why this match will be remembered not for cricket but for its aftermath.
🚨 Timeline of the Post-Match Drama
This wasn’t just a snub.
It was a statement.
🔥 Why Did India Skip the Handshake?
Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav made it clear in his press conference:
No handshakes after the game..
Pakistan waited for team India to come for the handshake, but they never came. #Shame. #INDvPAK #Asiacup2025 pic.twitter.com/usRlEwk32X
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) September 14, 2025
“There are some things in life that are more important than sportsmanship.”
He explained:
- The win was dedicated to the victims of the Behala terror attack.
- It honoured the Indian armed forces behind Operation Sindhu.
- The BCCI and government supported the team’s decision.
- “We came here to play. We gave our answer on the field,” he said.
His message was solemn.
No anger.
No provocation.
Just clarity.
Many fans backed him.
One tweet read:
“If shaking hands hurts the families of martyrs, then no, we don’t have to.”
😔 Pakistan’s Reaction: “We Were Ready to Shake Hands”
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson responded at the post-match presser:
“We were ready to shake hands. It was a huge disappointment… When we went to shake hands, they had already gone.”
On Salman Agha skipping the ceremony:
“I think it was because the handshake didn’t happen. That’s why he didn’t attend. It’s over now.”
Hesson admitted Pakistan played poorly but stressed:
“We lost the game. But we still believed in respect.”
Fans from both sides are split.
Some call it patriotism.
Others say it breaks the spirit of cricket.
🏟️ What the Rules Say About Handshakes
So technically?
No rule broken.
But tradition broken.
💬 Fan Reactions: Divided, Emotional, Viral
📊 Asia Cup Standings After the Match
✅ India is one win away from Super 4.
✅ Pakistan still has a slim chance if they beat the UAE and Oman loses badly.
Final Thoughts: Was It Right or Wrong?
This wasn’t about winning.
It was about values.
India stood by its soldiers.
Pakistan stood by tradition.
Both sides believe they’re right.
But one thing’s clear:
In future, the ICC may need to clarify what happens when cricket meets conflict.
For now, the image remains:
An empty field.
A waiting team.
And silence where a handshake should’ve been.
Watch Highlights & Press Conferences
🎥 Watch Suryakumar Yadav’s full statement
📢 Mike Hesson’s emotional reaction
💬 Join the debate: Should players always shake hands even in wartime?