Akhtar slams India’s no-handshake stance after Asia Cup clash
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar slammed India for not shaking hands with the Pakistan players after their Asia Cup 2025 Group A match in Dubai on Sunday.
India completed a comprehensive seven-wicket win over their arch rivals, cruising to a sub-par 128-run target in just 15.5 overs.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The match itself was one-sided, with the Salman Ali Agha-led side getting completely overpowered by Suryakumar Yadav's India.
But what happened after the game overshadowed the match, as the Indian players walked off the field, not shaking hands with the opposition and match officials, as is the custom after every international game.
India captain Suryakumar had also skipped shaking hands with his Pakistani counterpart after the toss and after the match revealed that it was the team's decision, which was in alignment with the government and the Board of Control of Cricket in India (BCCI).
Shoaib, while speaking on a Pakistani TV show, criticised the Indian players for dragging politics into cricket.
"I'm speechless. It is disheartening to see and I don't know what to say. Just don't make things political. It's a cricket match, don't make it political," said the former Pakistan pacer.
"It is the game of cricket, shake your hands, show your grace," he added.
In response to India's handshake refusal, Pakistan captain Salman did not show up at the post-match presentation ceremony, a gesture Shoaib approved of.
"Salman Ali Agha did the right thing by not going to the post-match," he remarked.
The match marked the first time India and Pakistan faced each other since their military confrontation earlier this year.
The arch rivals are expected to face off once again in the Super Four phase.
Comments