India once again showed their dominant side and registered a seven-wicket victory over arch-rivals Pakistan in their Asia Cup 2025 clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. But what grabbed headlines after the match wasn’t just India’s clinical chase — it was the decision by Suryakumar Yadav’s men to skip the traditional post-match handshake with Pakistan and head straight to the dressing room.
This rare gesture sparked debates across social media and former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar didn’t hold back his emotions, calling it “disheartening” and urging both sides to move on from politics.
Shoaib Akhtar’s Emotional Reaction
Akhtar, visibly upset, said on a TV show:
“I’m speechless. It is disheartening to see and I don’t know what to say. Hats off to India. Just don’t make things political. Cricket match hain isko political mat banao. Humne acchi statement di hai aapke liye. Hum bohot kuch bol sakte hain. Ladayi-jhagde hoti rehti hain, ghar mein bhi hoti hain. Forget it, move on. Shake your hands, show your grace.”
Shoaib Akhtar crying over the handshake saga 😂 Same guy was chilling with Asim Munir & Afridi months back. Well done Surya – strike as deep as Nur Khan Air Base! 🔥🇮🇳 #INDvsPAK #IndianCricket #IndiaVsPakistan #aisacup2025 #indvspak2025 https://t.co/6O4XkugN8U pic.twitter.com/t9V8pCk0U8
— Gaurav (@k_gauravs) September 15, 2025
He also supported Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha for not attending the post-match presentation ceremony, saying it was the “right call.”
Gambhir’s Reported Advice
According to a report by Telecom Asia Sport, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir allegedly advised the players to avoid handshakes and even verbal interactions with the Pakistani players as a symbolic gesture following the Pahalgam terror attack earlier this year.
Suryakumar Yadav Dedication
Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who scored an unbeaten 47* to guide India home, used the post-match presentation to dedicate the win to India’s armed forces:
“We stand by the families of the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack. This win is for them and for our brave soldiers.”
Fans Divided on Social Media
While many Indian fans lauded the team’s decision, calling it a “silent but powerful statement,” others, including Shoaib Akhtar and Rashid Latif, felt cricket should stay above politics and sportsmanship should not be compromised.
With India and Pakistan likely to face each other again in the Super Four stage, all eyes will be on whether this no-handshake stance continues.
