The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has defended its players’ decision not to shake hands with Pakistani players, stating that shaking hands after the game is just a goodwill gesture.
A senior BCCI official told Indian media that shaking hands after a match is traditionally a goodwill gesture, not a legal requirement or condition of ICC.
“Look, if you read the rule book, there is no specification about shaking hands with the opposition. It is a goodwill gesture and a sort of convention, not law, that is followed globally across the sporting spectrum,” a senior BCCI official told Indian media.
“If there is no law, then the Indian cricket team isn’t bound to shake hands with an opposition with whom there is a history of a strained relationship,” the official added.
The controversy followed India’s seven-wicket win over Pakistan in Dubai on Sunday. Indian cricketers walked directly to their dressing room instead of greeting opponents, sparking debate about sportsmanship amid national security sensitivities.
READ: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup controversy: Here’s everything you need to know
According to reports, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and senior players met with team management before the game. They agreed against handshakes during any point of the game, stressing solidarity with victims of the Pahalgam terror attack – which has nothing to do with Pakistan.
Officials said the tragedy, which India blamed on Pakistan, influenced the squad’s stance, framing the match as more than a sporting contest.
Earlier to this controversy, Indian Skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, may have forgotten his team’s stance during the Asia Cup 2025 trophy-revealing ceremony as he shook hands with not only with Pakistan team captain Salman Ali Agha but also with the Asian Cricket Council President and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Mohsin Naqvi.
The handshake with Pakistani players and officials was widely criticized by Indian fans on social media who called to boycott the Asia Cup match against Pakistan.
Following the boycott calls, reports highlighted that the Indian team came in immense pressure ahead of match against Pakistan and decided not to shake hands at any point of the game.
Tensions were visible throughout the match. Even team sheets were handed directly to match referee Andy Pycroft, bypassing the traditional exchange between captains before play, according to eyewitnesses.
