• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

IND vs PAK No Handshake Controversy: Former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi has criticised the Indian team, launching a tirade against the Suryakumar Yadav-led side for snubbing the post-match customary handshakes with their Pakistan players during the recent Asia Cup match.

Following India's seven-wicket win over traditional rivals, Suryakumar Yadav & Co. refused to exchange post-match greetings with their Pakistani counterparts, shutting the dressing room door.

Pakistan coach Mike Hesson was displeased with India's refusal to shake hands and this eventually led to skipper Salman Agha skipping the post-match presentation as he didn't come out to interact.

ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2025: BCCI Breaks Silence On No Handshake Controversy With Pakistan, Says 'Not Bound To...'

This eventually led to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) lodging an official complaint against the match referee Andy Pycroft and it was also reported that PCB would also withdraw from the Asia Cup if the ICC didn't remove Pycroft.

After India's win, Suryakumar dedicated India's victory to the Indian Armed Forces, stating that it was meant to show solidarity with the families of the Pahalgam terror attack victims.

Afridi hasn't held back his criticism of the Indian team's stance in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, stating that it was a poor show of sportsmanship from the Indians.

“When the Asia Cup began, social media was filled with the boycott campaigns ahead of the match between India and Pakistan. Considering there was pressure, it is no surprise that the players and the BCCI were told not to shake hands with our team,” said Afridi during a discussion on Samaa TV.

Afridi has voiced support for the stance taken by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and its chairman, Mohsin Naqvi.

ALSO READ: Asia Cup 2025: ICC Unlikely To Replace Match Referee Andy Pycroft Amidst PCB's Handshake Controversy Protest

“In my opinion, there was no sportsman spirit. They would once again be shamed in front of the world. I think our stance was bang on. Our PCB chairman has taken the right stand. Overall, it's outstanding,” said Afridi.

“I have always said that players should be great ambassadors and not an embarrassment. I don't want to fault the Indian cricketers; they were given orders from up above," he added.

“The same Suryakumar Yadav shook hands with Salman Agha and Mohsin Naqvi at the captain's press conference. Now in front of the crowd, the government was not able to handle the social media pressure. Indian players have now become an embarrassment in front of the world,” Afridi concluded.