Former Indian captain Kapil Dev has strongly criticized the Indian cricket team and its board for allowing politics to overshadow the sport during the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan.
Speaking after India’s five-wicket victory in Dubai, Dev said players should focus on cricket rather than indulge in political point scoring. He reminded athletes that government permission to play obligates basic sportsmanship.
“When the government has allowed teams to play, shaking hands should not be a big issue,” Dev told India Today during a post-final interview.
The cricket legend emphasized that both players and media share responsibility in keeping sports separate from politics. He stressed that ignoring sportsmanship undermines the true spirit of the game.
It is worth mentioning here that the controversy first erupted during the group stage when Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan’s Salman Ali Agha.
The repeated snubs drew criticism from fans and former cricketers alike.
READ: Ravi Shastri slams Indian team over trophy controversy
Matters escalated after the final when India refused to receive the trophy from Asian Cricket Council (ACC) President and PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
The post-match ceremony was delayed before the trophy was sent to ACC offices.
Suryakumar Yadav later revealed that the refusal was a collective decision made by players on the field. However, former cricketers argue it embarrassed fans and disrespected the international stage.
Former coach Ravi Shastri, also criticize Indian team’s actions, and termed it “disgraceful” and blamed them for a 45-minute presentation delay.
Both legends urged Indian players to show respect, prioritize cricket, and avoid political stunts that damage the game’s global reputation.
