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"Disappointed By Lack Of Sportsmanship": PCB Boss Hits Out At India Over Handshake Snub

Akshita Patel

Mohsin Naqvi fumes over India's handshake refusal [Source: @dhillow_, @CatchOfThe40986/X.com]Mohsin Naqvi fumes over India's handshake refusal [Source: @dhillow_, @CatchOfThe40986/X.com]

India's convincing victory over Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup has been marred in controversy after the Indian squad refused handshakes with their Pakistan counterparts. ACC and PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi condemned the act strongly, terming it an act of bad sportsmanship.

The tension surrounding the fixture was already elevated as a result of the recent Pahalgam terror attack in India that killed 26 people. The attack, linked to Pakistan-based terrorists, created an emotional backdrop for the match in Dubai. 

Team India, led by stand-in captain Suryakumar Yadav, decided not to participate in traditional post-match handshakes, a gesture seen as solidarity with the victims and Indian armed forces.

Mohsin Naqvi Slams India For ‘Unsportsmanlike’ Conduct

Meanwhile, the Indian team’s gesture didn’t sit well with the Asia Cricket Council (ACC) and Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi. In a social media post, he criticised India for lacking sportsmanship and accused them of dragging politics into sport.

"Utterly disappointed by the lack of sportsmanship today. Dragging politics into the game goes against the very spirit of sports. Let's hope future victories are celebrated by all teams with grace," Naqvi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Interestingly, the chairman did shake hands with Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav during the pre-tournament press conference. However, the post-match snub has reignited debate over where the line between sportsmanship and patriotism lies.

Pakistan’s captain, Salman Ali Agha, notably stayed away from the post-match ceremony as a protest to India’s handshake snub. Not only that, but the men in green have reportedly lodged an official protest against India with the match referee. 

Suryakumar Yadav Justified India’s Actions

Meanwhile, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav clarified his team’s motive behind the handshake snub. In the post-match press conference, he said some situations are above sportsmanship, and they had the perfect reply to give to Pakistan.

Yadav added that India is aligned with the BCCI and the central government’s thought process and hence decided to play the Asia Cup 2025 despite large-scale public backlash.