The much-awaited India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup 2025 will once again take place on September 21 at the Dubai International Stadium. Their previous meeting on September 14 saw India beat Pakistan by 7 wickets.
However, the real talking point wasn’t India victory—it was the no-handshake controversy. After the match, Indian players refused to shake hands with their Pakistani counterparts, sparking widespread debate. With both teams set to face off again at the same venue, the big question is: Will the controversy resurface?
Same Venue, Same Referee – Spotlight on Andy Pycroft
The ICC has once again appointed Andy Pycroft as the match referee for this high-voltage game. After the last encounter, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) openly criticized Pycroft, accusing him of siding with India. PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja even went as far as saying Pycroft was biased.
Despite this backlash, the ICC has stuck to its decision, keeping Pycroft in charge of this contest. This move could once again put his role under scrutiny if tensions rise during the match.
Handshake Tradition May Break Again
During the previous game toss, India Suryakumar Yadav refused to shake hands with Pakistan Salman Ali Agha. After the match, the Indian players once again avoided handshakes with the opposition.
According to reports, this time the Pakistan team is also prepared to skip the handshake. If that happens, fans may once again witness the unusual sight of both teams walking away without the customary show of sportsmanship.
India vs Pakistan matches are always charged with emotions, pressure, and drama. With both sides seemingly standing firm on not shaking hands, the controversy could easily flare up again.
That said, both teams also understand the importance of keeping the focus on cricket rather than off-field tensions. The players’ attitude and the referee handling will be crucial in ensuring the match doesn’t get overshadowed by unnecessary drama.
The India vs Pakistan clash on September 21 in Dubai promises edge-of-the-seat cricket. But beyond the on-field action, the no-handshake saga could once again steal the spotlight. Whether the match ends peacefully or sparks another round of controversy—only time will tell.
