Pakistan all-rounder Aamir Jamal has taken a sharp dig at the Indian cricket team and its leadership following the controversial end to the India-Pakistan Asia Cup 2025 match.
Taking to social media, Jamal criticized India’s lack of sportsmanship, saying, “When it comes to sportsmanship, India will always fall short.”
Referring to Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav’s post-match press conference – where he stated that the Indian team’s actions were aligned with the government and BCCI – Jamal expressed disappointment, saying, “That’s not a reply, it’s a game of cricket.”
Jamal responded Suryakumar in his language by reference India’s 6 Rafale jets downed by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor earlier this year, suggesting that if India really wanted to “reply,” they had earlier chances to prove it on the battle field.
Jamal concluded his statement with a pointed remark: “Feeling pity for those who are still proving that they are Indian,” further fueling the already heated debate surrounding the intersection of politics and cricket in the ongoing tournament.
Earlier to this, 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.
READ: India vs Pakistan Asia Cup controversy: Here’s everything you need to know
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.
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.
