The recent Asia Cup 2025 clash between India and Pakistan was a one-sided affair on the field, with India securing a dominant seven-wicket victory. However, the real drama unfolded after the final ball. In a shocking move that has sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, the Indian team, led by captain Suryakumar Yadav, declined to engage in the customary post-match handshake, walking straight into their dressing room and shutting the doors. This action has sparked a major controversy, prompting former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar to call out the Indian team for making cricket "political."

The Incident and its Fallout

After Suryakumar Yadav hit the winning runs, instead of walking over to shake hands with the waiting Pakistani team, he and his partner, Shivam Dube, simply shook hands with each other and walked off the field. The Pakistan players, including captain Salman Ali Agha, stood on the field for a moment, visibly confused, before retreating. The situation was exacerbated when Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, was seen approaching the Indian dressing room, only to find the door shut.

This unprecedented snub, which also extended to the match officials, led to a strong reaction from Pakistan. In a silent protest, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha did not attend the post-match presentation ceremony. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) later confirmed that Agha's absence was a direct response to the Indian team's actions, which they deemed "against the spirit of sportsmanship."

Shoaib Akhtar's Scathing Criticism

Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar was among the most vocal critics of the incident. In a passionate address, he condemned the move, stating, "Don't make cricket political." Akhtar, who has always been a proponent of keeping the sport separate from politics, expressed his disappointment and backed Salman Ali Agha's decision to skip the post-match ceremony. He argued that while rivalries are fierce on the field, sportsmanship demands respect and a handshake at the end of the day.

Akhtar's comments resonate with a larger sentiment that the India-Pakistan rivalry, already one of the most intense in all of sports, is becoming increasingly mired in political tensions.

A Rivalry Beyond the Boundary

While the cricketing world debates the merits of the no-handshake gesture, the incident highlights a deeper issue. The match was played against a backdrop of strained political relations between the two nations, following a recent terror attack and subsequent military operations. Both the toss and the final handshake were reportedly influenced by these tensions, with sources suggesting that the Indian team's actions were a pre-planned decision aligned with the national sentiment.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder that for India and Pakistan, a cricket match is rarely just a game. It is a charged event where national pride, political narratives, and emotions run high. While some believe that a sport should remain a neutral ground, others argue that it is a reflection of the reality of the diplomatic relationship. As the teams move forward in the Asia Cup, the "handshake-gate" will undoubtedly be the biggest talking point, eclipsing the on-field result and raising questions about the future of this iconic rivalry.
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