ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board Chief Mohsin Naqvi condemned India’s refusal to shake hands after their Asia Cup clash in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, calling it “utterly disappointing” and a breach of sportsmanship.
India secured a seven-wicket victory over Pakistan on Sunday in their first cricket encounter since the military conflict in May. However, tensions escalated when Indian players left the field without the customary handshake.
“Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports,” said Naqvi, who also serves as Asian Cricket Council chairman, urging all teams to celebrate future matches with grace.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson expressed his disappointment, stating, “We were ready to shake hands at the end of the game. We are disappointed that the opposition did not do that. We went over there, and they were already gone to the changing room, so that was obviously a disappointing way to finish the match.”
Following the game, Pakistan’s management lodged a formal protest with match referee Andy Pycroft. Their statement condemned the Indian players’ behavior as “against the spirit of sportsmanship,” explaining that Pakistan captain Salman Agha was withheld from the post-match ceremony in protest.
India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, defended the team’s decision during his post-match press conference, saying their actions were “aligned with the government and Board of Control for Cricket in India.”
Despite the controversy, India, holding two wins from two matches, is on track to advance to the Super Fours stage. Pakistan, despite the loss, is also expected to qualify after their upcoming match against the UAE.
With inputs from AFP