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Cricket Handshake Controversy: Cricket is known as a gentleman’s game, and sportsmanship is one of its most important values. No matter who wins or loses, players typically shake hands to show respect after every game. However, were you aware that the Indian national cricket team has declined to perform this custom not only with the national cricket team of Pakistan but also with another major cricketing nation? India recently made news during the Asia Cup 2025 for skipping the handshake with Pakistan after the game because of continuing political unrest and security worries.

While this became a hot topic of conversation, but was not the first time it had happened. Earlier, during the India tour of England in 2021, India had previously refrained from shaking hands with the England cricket team. This demonstrates how problems off the field can occasionally affect the sportsmanship on the field as well. Let's look at both uncommon and contentious instances in cricket history.

India Refuses Handshakes With Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025?

Fans noticed something strange during the high-stress match between the national cricket teams of India and Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. The Indian players left the field after the game without shaking hands, as is customary. According to reports, the Indian team management made this decision collectively because of the ongoing political unrest and security issues between the two nations.

 

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According to reports, the officials told the players to stay away from each other during and after the game to avoid any unwanted situations. Fans' opinions on this act were divided; some believed it went against the spirit of the game, while others defended the action, citing national security concerns. The already intense cricket rivalry between India and Pakistan was heightened by the incident, which swiftly went viral on social media.

When And Why India Had Refused Handshakes With England?

This was not the first time the Indian team had done this. Back in 2021, the Indian cricket team declined to shake hands with the England cricket team during the 2021 India tour after a major controversy. The final Test match of the series at Old Trafford in Manchester was supposed to be a grand finish. But just before the match, Ben Stokes reportedly offered to call off the game because some of the Indian national team’s staff had tested COVID-19 positive.

The Indian players felt that England's unexpected offer unfairly questioned their professionalism and raised concerns about their health. Both sides became tense as a result, and the Indian team chose to boycott the post-series handshake in silent protest after the game was formally called off. Many fans were taken aback by this incident because they had never witnessed India take such a firm stance. In a later interview, Shubhman Gill revealed that it was Ravindra Jadeja’s and Washington Sundar’s decision not to shake hands as they were near their centuries. 

 

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Cricket players rarely skip handshakes, but when they do, it's usually only when their emotions are running high. When things get heated off the field, even the most polite teams can act boldly, as demonstrated by these two incidents. Sportsmanship is demonstrated by handshakes, but safety and respect for one another must also be prioritised.